Inflammatory Bowel Disease / IBD

IBD primarily includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can cause diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue, but they differ in the location and pattern of inflammation.

Why is it important? IBD often alternates between flares and remission and requires long-term monitoring to control inflammation, prevent complications and maintain quality of life.

Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis combines symptoms, blood and stool tests, imaging and endoscopy with biopsies. Treatment is tailored to disease type and severity and may include anti-inflammatory medicines, biologics, targeted therapies and sometimes surgery.