Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that refers to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two inflammatory conditions that affect as many as 1.6 million Americans, most diagnosed before age 35.

What is IBD?

IBD is the common name used to describe two chronic diseases of the intestinal tract ― Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis ― that cause inflammation in the intestines:

• Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
• Ulcerative colitis can affect any part of the large intestine.
• A third category, indeterminate colitis inflammatory bowel disease, refers to IBD that has features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

What causes IBD?

IBD is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. It is not yet known what triggers these attacks ― and why IBD develops in some people and not in others. However, researchers are working to understand more about the mechanisms behind the condition and the impact of genetic, environmental, infectious, immune and other factors, including the balance of bacteria in the gut.

IBD can affect people in any ethnic or racial group, but statistically, people of Jewish ancestry have a greater risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Environmental factors may contribute: IBD is rare in the southern hemisphere. 

Is IBD hereditary?

Yes, IBD can run in families, but it can also develop randomly even without a family history of IBD. According to studies, between 5% and 20% of those with inflammatory bowel disease have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, child or sibling, with the condition.

Can children have IBD?

Yes, IBD can affect children, and it is more common in teenagers than younger kids. It may take longer to diagnose IBD in children because they may dismiss symptoms, which can also be hard for parents to notice, especially in older kids.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Children | Q&A with Clint Cappiello

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

IBD causes a range of problems in the colon and rectum, but can also affect other parts of the body. The symptoms may come and go. People with IBD may experience flare-ups followed by periods with no symptoms.

The first signs of IBD can appear after exposure to something that irritates the intestines, such as a medication (including aspirin, ibuprofen and antibiotics) or a GI infection. The irritation or infection goes away, but the immune system keeps responding.

Common IBD symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain (pain in the stomach area)
• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• Urgency to have a bowel movement and fecal incontinence
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Anemia
• Malnutrition and delayed growth in people who develop IBD as children
• Anxiety and depression

The condition can also cause swelling or masses, due to inflammation in the intestines. A doctor may notice these on X-rays and other tests during evaluation of symptoms.

If inflammation is not controlled over time, IBD can damage the intestines, causing:

• Abscesses: pockets of infection that can result in tearing of the intestinal wall.
• Strictures: areas of narrowing in the bowel.
• Fistulas: abnormal passageways between two organs or vessels that normally do not connect. Fistulas happen when inflammation and pressure inside the bowel break down tissue, and can cause bowel contents to leak into the bladder, urethra or vagina.
• Long-term inflammation in the colon increases the risk of colon cancer.

In some people with IBD, the inflammation can affect areas of the body outside the intestines:

• Eyes: redness and inflammation due to episcleritis (inflammation between the inner eyelids and the white of the eye) or uveitis (inflammation inside the eye). Experts estimate that 10% to 43% of people with IBD develop eye problems, and regular visits to the eye doctor are important.
• Mouth: inflammation (stomatitis), mouth sores and ulcers
• Liver: fat in the liver (steatosis)
• Biliary tract: gallstones and inflammation of the bile duct system (sclerosing cholangitis)
• Kidneys: kidney stones, hydronephrosis (swollen kidneys caused by a backup of urine), fistulas and urinary tract infections
• Skin: erythema nodosum (tender, red bumps on the shins), pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare condition that causes severe skin ulcers on the legs.
• Joints and spine: spondylolysis (stress fracture of the vertebrae), sacroiliitis (inflammation of the joints connecting the lower spine with the pelvis) and arthritis in the limbs
• Blood circulation, including phlebitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

IBD Versus IBS

These two acronyms often get confused. Like IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. But the diseases are very different.

IBS does not involve inflammation: People with IBS may have periods of constipation followed by periods of diarrhea. This could be caused by heightened sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines or problems with motility ― the coordination of nerves and muscles that move food and waste through the digestive system.

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IBD Diagnosis

IBD usually appears as a sudden flare-up of symptoms. Most people diagnosed with IBD are age 35 or younger. There is a second peak of diagnosis in the 60s.

There is no single test to diagnose IBD. Because the symptoms of IBD overlap with those of several other conditions, including infections and other digestive system disorders, a doctor may recommend a combination of the following to confirm the diagnosis:

• Thorough health and family history and physical exam
• Colonoscopy with biopsies
• Upper endoscopy with biopsies
• Stool sample analysis
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scan or MRI)
• Blood work: may include tests for known IBD biomarkers (such as ASCA and ANCA antibodies) and other molecules that signal inflammation. Blood tests can identify IBD, and in some cases, predict the severity of disease and the frequency of future flare-ups.

Does IBD increase the risk of colon cancer?

Having IBD can increase the risk of colon cancer by up to four times. The longer someone lives with an inflamed bowel, the greater the chance of cancerous changes happening in the intestinal cells.

Data show the risk of colorectal cancer increases in patients who were diagnosed with IBD at a younger age, especially if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, including having had primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Those who have had IBD for eight years or longer are recommended to get colonoscopies every one to three years depending on their risk factors for colon cancer.

IBD Treatment

Although there is no curative treatment for IBD, it’s possible to reduce inflammation and address symptoms with a variety of therapies. The goals of treating IBD include stopping future flare-ups and healing inflammation in the intestines, both in the lining and on a deep cellular level. Because IBD often causes issues in different parts of the body, a multispecialty approach to care can be helpful. Specialists in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, rheumatology, dermatology, ophthalmology and other fields work together to improve quality of life for people with IBD.

IBD treatments may include medications, surgery and a range of diet and lifestyle changes that help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

IBD Medications

Medications are key to treating IBD. Most people with IBD will need to be on at least one medication indefinitely. The goal is easing symptoms, halting inflammation and reducing flare-ups.

It’s important to take IBD medications as prescribed, even when feeling better. The sooner medication starts, the better the long-term results, especially in people with Crohn’s disease.

• Immunosuppressants for IBD: These drugs are used to suppress the immune system’s attack on the intestine, and may be recommended for moderate to severe IBD. Newer immunosuppressants, often referred to as biologics, are very specific and powerful in treating IBD and are now the main treatments for Crohn’s disease.
• Topical anti-inflammatory medications: These medications, in the form of suppositories or enema preparations, can help reduce diarrhea and fecal incontinence. They are usually very well tolerated, have minimal risks, and are especially useful for mild-to-moderate cases of IBD.
• Pain relief: Relieving abdominal pain can be challenging. Pain relief is achieved with control of inflammation.
• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics are helpful for mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease cases, and for treating abscesses and anal fistulas (abnormal tunnels between the anal canal and the surrounding organs), as well as for inflammation of the pouch after surgery for Crohn’s disease.
• Steroids: Steroids can work with other anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve IBD symptoms and ease flare-ups. But they should be used only as a short-term treatment due to the serious side effects, such as increased risk of infections and strictures, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and more.

IBD Surgery

If medications do not calm the inflammation, over time the intestines can become damaged, making symptoms worse and increasing the need for surgery. About half of people with IBD may need surgery at some point in their lives to:

• Remove areas of the intestine damaged by prolonged inflammation. The surgeons aim to keep enough intestines so the body can absorb food nutrients, preventing short bowel syndrome. People who are very ill with IBD may need extensive removal of the intestine and a stoma: a surgically created opening in the body to remove waste.
• Repair blockages, strictures, abscesses or fistulas.

The reasons for surgery and the parts of the intestine that need to be treated differ from person to person. Crohn’s disease usually affects the bottom of the small intestine where it joins the large intestine, an area called the terminal ilium. Ulcerative colitis involves the colon and the rectum. Laparoscopic (less invasive) surgeries can reduce complications, and are preferable when possible.

IBD Surgery and Repair | FAQ With Peter Najjar, M.D.

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IBD Diet and Lifestyle

People with IBD may notice that eating certain foods can have an effect on symptoms. The role of diet in IBD is currently a topic of research, which points to a possible overreaction of the immune system to common bacteria in food as a trigger for IBD flare-ups. Keeping a food diary can help track when symptoms improve or worsen.

Although a diet cannot reverse IBD, making some modifications may help reduce the severity of symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Before changing what you eat, discuss any changes to your diet with your doctor.

IBD and Dairy

About half of people with IBD, especially those with Crohn’s disease, are lactose intolerant and find that dairy products can aggravate bloating and diarrhea. If this applies to you, work with your doctor to ensure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D from other foods that are easier on your digestive system.

IBD and Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, the kind in flax seeds, oily fish and other foods, can affect bacteria in the gut and ease inflammation. Including these foods while cutting back on those high in omega 6 (such as red meats and fried foods) can have a positive effect on IBD symptoms.

IBD and Gluten

No studies say a gluten-free regimen gets rid of IBD, but some patients report feeling better, with less bloating, cramps and fatigue.

IBD and Probiotics

There are no studies showing that probiotics help people with IBD. Some patients experience symptom relief after taking probiotics, and in those cases, doctors often support continuing probiotics. If you’d like to try probiotics for IBD, you should discuss it with your doctor first.

IBD and Fiber

For people without IBD, a diet high in fiber is healthy, but for those with narrowed bowels due to IBD, undigestible matter from fruits, vegetables and whole grain can become stuck and cause severe symptoms. A low-residue (fiber) diet may be appropriate. On the other hand, for those who can tolerate them, fruits and vegetables are good for gut bacteria and help encourage the growth of less inflammatory species.

IBD and Sugars

A few small studies suggest a diet low in FODMAP (sugars that are hard to digest) can ease IBD symptoms. The diet is very restrictive, but slowly reintroducing foods one by one and noting the body's response can help determine specific foods that may need to be avoided. If you want to try this approach, it is important to work with a dietician or nutritionist.

Also, certain sweeteners, such as sorbitol, can worsen diarrhea. People with IBD should also avoid alcohol and caffeine if they trigger symptoms.

IBD and Smoking

The impact of smoking on IBD is complex. Smoking complicates Crohn’s disease, and is associated with more severe disease, with penetrating ulcers and narrowing of the intestines. Smokers may end up needing more aggressive treatment for Crohn’s disease, including surgery. Smoking can also decrease the effectiveness of certain Crohn’s disease medications by up to 50%.

Due to the many dangers of smoking, continuing to smoke is not recommended for anyone. People with IBD who smoke should work with their primary care doctors to find the best strategies to quit.

Other IBD Treatments

Researchers are looking into other therapies such as stem cell therapy and fecal transplant, but their effectiveness for inflammatory bowel disease is currently under investigation.

Some patients report abdominal pain relief after trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

IBD Prognosis and Living with IBD

Because there are no treatments that cure IBD, acknowledging that it is a lifetime disease can help improve focus on working with doctors for long-term symptom relief. Some may have periods of remission followed by weekslong flare-ups indefinitely. Appropriate treatment ― and commitment to it ― can help improve the quality of life.

Once a care plan is established, those with IBD will likely see a gastroenterologist once a year, or more frequently, depending on the symptoms. Between these visits, it’s important to continue checkups with a primary care doctor, who can monitor physical and mental health, review medications, help to handle side effects, and support the commitment to preventing flare-ups.

It’s also important not to become so focused on IBD that other aspects of health are neglected. Stay current with screenings and preventive care, and contact a doctor for any non-IBD symptoms or signs that could indicate a health problem.

The symptoms of IBD, such as pain, fever and frequent need to use the bathroom, can make it hard to sleep through the night. Difficulty sleeping can also signal that an IBD flare-up is about to happen. Chronic lack of sleep can affect overall health and worsen quality of life. Talk to a doctor about ways to help get a restful sleep.

IBD and Vaccines

Getting vaccines, especially the annual flu vaccine, is crucial since IBD and the medications used to treat it can weaken the immune system and increase vulnerability to infectious diseases. Work with a primary care physician to ensure all the recommended vaccines are complete, including:

• Flu shots: every year
• Pneumovax, to prevent certain forms of pneumonia: two doses
• Hepatitis B (a one-time series of three shots)
• Tetanus (every 10 years)
• HPV vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (a one-time, three-shot series)
• Shingles vaccine (non-live version)
• COVID-19 vaccine

Immunocompromised people with IBD should not be inoculated with “live” vaccines. Talk to a gastroenterologist about which vaccines are OK to receive and when. Live vaccines include:

• The internasal flu spray “vaccine”
• Shingles vaccine
• Measles – mumps – rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Oral polio vaccine

Regular Health Screenings

Immune-suppressing drugs or biologics for IBD increase the risk of certain cancers in some people. For those who take these drugs, such as anti-TNF, methotrexate or immunomodulators, a doctor may recommend:

• An annual Pap smear for women.
• Anal Pap tests for men and women who are at risk for anal cancer.
• Annual checks for skin cancer such as melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Be sure to limit sun exposure and use appropriate sun protection properly and consistently.

People taking steroids for IBD may need regular bone densitometry (DEXA) tests or other bone scans if they are:

• Age 50 or older
• Have received more than 600 milligrams of steroid medication
• Have had fractures not related to trauma

They may also need to take calcium or vitamin D supplements or prescription medications to prevent osteoporosis.