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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, known as IBD, is a chronic autoimmune
disease that affects all or part of the digestive tract. More specifically,
IBD can be identified as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis.

1.6 Million Americans

Have IBD
Is Crohns the same as
ulcerative colitis?
What causes IBD?
The cause of IBD is unknown. A
number of genes have been
identified and research is ongoing.
Is there a cure for IBD?
At the moment, there is no cure for
IBD. However, researchers are
incredibly optimistic.
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3.

What is Crohn's disease? (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

www.ccfa.org
2. Staff. (n.d.). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Retrieved
November 14, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/basics/treatment/con20034908
Pictures from http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/936096
and http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/677713

IBD can be classified as Crohns

disease or ulcerative colitis

How is IBD treated?

Crohns can affect any part of the

digestive tract1. It most
commonly affects the end of the
small bowel (the ileum), and
beginning of the colon1.

Currently, there are five

basic categories of medications
used in the treatment of IBD:
aminosalicylates, corticosteroids,
immunomodulators, antibiotics,
and biologic therapies2. In severe
cases, surgery is required.

Ulcerative colitis, only affects the

lining of the colon1.

Symptoms of IBD
Symptoms may include diarrhea,
fever, fatigue, abdominal pain,
cramping, blood in the stool,
reduced appetite and weight loss.

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