IBD 101: the Basics

Inflammatory bowel what?

So what the heck is IBD anyway? I’ve been talking about it a lot, but I have yet to actually define it. Whoops.

Most of you reading are likely already well versed in IBD: you are living it, or you know someone who is living with it. But for those of you who are unfamiliar, new to IBD, or need a refresher…here are a few quick IBD facts.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises two main conditions: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Apologies for all these acronyms.

IBD causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can impair the body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner. Both CD and UC are life-long conditions. At present, there is no cure for IBD.

The goal of IBD treatment is to manage periods of active disease (“flares”) and induce and maintain remission (few or no symptoms).

IBD rates are on the rise. Because it is mostly an “invisible” disease, chances are good that you know someone who is living with IBD but you are unaware of it. Chances are also fairly high that someone you know may be diagnosed with IBD in their lifetime.  

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but we think it is due to combination of factors, including genetics, the environment, and our gut microbiome.

Crohn’s vs. ulcerative colitis – what’s the diff?

• Crohn’s affects anywhere from “mouth to butt” in the GI system (esophagus, stomach, small/large intestine, rectum, anus), UC primarily affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum
• In UC, inflammation usually presents only in the innermost layer of the GI tract, while Crohn’s inflammation penetrates deeper into the multiple layers of the GI lining
• Crohn’s often shows as “skip lesions” – areas of healthy tissue followed by patchy ulcers. UC lesions are often more continuous

Symptoms and complications

In terms of severity, symptoms and areas involved, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis vary significantly person-to-person.

Common symptoms include: persistent diarrhea, frequent and unpredictable bowel movements, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding/bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue.

IBD can also affect other parts of the body (aka “extra-intestinal”), and may include symptoms such as arthritis, skin issues, mouth sores, eye problems, kidney/liver problems, and anemia (low iron). Some people may experience many of these, while others will experience few or none.

One final clarification, IBD is NOT the same as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

While similar, IBS is a syndrome (group of symptoms) and does not cause the destructive inflammation and bleeding like in IBD. Symptoms of IBS can range from mild to debilitating (just as with IBD), but IBS cannot be managed using the same treatments and medications.

So there we are, that covers the basics of IBD. Maybe you learned something. Maybe not.

One thing I want to stress is that IBD is not just a “bad stomach ache” or just a “bathroom illness”. It is a very complex, mysterious and frustrating disease and can affect every single facet of a person’s life.

And people living with IBD are a strong and resilient bunch. I know how much it can suck…and I raise my hands to all of you. We got this.

What’s on your mind?

Once again, feel free to share in the comments section. It is a safe space.

Have any questions? Fun (or not-so-fun) IBD-related facts? What things do you know now that you wish you would have known at diagnosis?

As always, be gentle with yourselves. Thank you.