Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of conditions that cause long-term inflammation of the intestines (bowel). These conditions can affect only the large bowel (ulcerative colitis) or may affect any part of the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus (Crohn's disease).
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may include: frequent bowel motions which may contain blood or mucous, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, pallor and fatigue. The inflammation can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, joints or liver.
Inflammatory bowel disease is treated with medicines and sometimes with a change in diet. In some cases, surgery may be needed.