IBD is a group of lifelong intestinal diseases. The main 2 are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for IBD, but with correct diagnosis and treatment, our care team can help you manage your symptoms.

IBD usually develops in people under 30, although it can happen at any age. Most IBDs affect young people in the prime of their social, professional, and emotional lives. 

Symptoms can be mild or severe. In severe cases, they can be painful and debilitating and even lead to life-threatening health issues.

Thankfully, IBD symptoms can go into remission. They may lessen for weeks, months, and even years before flaring up again.

There are 2 main types of IBD. Although they share many symptoms, they're distinct diseases and occur in different parts of the digestive system. 

IBD symptoms include:

• Belly pain
• Blood or pus in diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue
• Anemia
• Joint pain 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lack of growth in children
• Nausea or lack of appetite

Stress and eating certain foods can make symptoms worse or trigger IBD flares.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. It most often affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. 

Crohn's disease causes inflammation, which creates patches of damage in the lining of the bowel. The inflammation affects all layers of the intestinal wall. Crohn's disease often begins slowly and gets worse over time.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the large intestine. The inflammation only affects the inner lining of the intestinal wall.

Ulcerative colitis may begin gradually and get worse over time, or it may start suddenly. It usually develops between ages 15 and 30.

Complications from IBD can be severe. If left untreated, both types of IBD can lead to:

• Colon cancer
• Joint inflammation
• Blood clots
• Dehydration
• Inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts lead to chronic liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis

Other complications from Crohn's disease include:

• Inflammation or scar tissue can block the intestines (bowel obstruction), preventing food or waste from passing through
• Not getting enough nutrients from your food causes malnutrition
• Inflammation can cause tunnels between the intestine and other organs or skin, called fistulas
• Tears in the lining of the anus (anal fissures) that can cause hurt and bleed

Other complications of ulcerative colitis include:

• A rare, life-threatening issue called toxic megacolon, where the colon becomes severely swollen and inflamed, potentially bursting
• A hole or tear in the colon wall (perforated colon) can allow waste to leak into the abdomen and cause a dangerous infection

Doctors don't know what causes IBD. But the following risk factors may play a role:

• Family history: If a parent or sibling has IBD, you're more likely to have it
• Abnormal immune reactions: When your immune system attacks the normal bacteria in your digestive tract
• Microbiome: The bacteria, fungi, and viruses that help with digestion are different in people with IBD
• Environment: Factors like smoking, where you live and your living conditions may raise your risk of IBD

There's no cure for IBD, but we can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. The goal of treatment is to lower inflammation, prevent flares, and extend periods of remission.

Our treatments for IBD include:

• Changes in diet: Avoid carbonated drinks and high-fiber foods. Drink more liquids and eat smaller meals.
• Medicine: Certain drugs can help keep you free from IBD. You may need to take these for the rest of your life. 
• Surgery: Surgery won't cure IBD. But it can improve your symptoms and reduce complications. Doctors may remove part or all of your small or large intestine.

At Carilion, we have a comprehensive IBD treatment program. We specialize in helping people with IBD improve their quality of life and extend periods of remission. Read more about our IBD treatment options.