Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general name used to describe two chronic diseases which inflame the intestines.
These diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the mucous membrane layer of the colon and rectum. When only the rectum is involved it is called ulcerative proctitis - the condition is far less serious and rarely progresses to the whole colon. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the full thickness of intestine, which may involve any part of the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. Most frequently the small intestine (ileitis), the large intestine (Crohn’s colitis) or both the small and large intestines. (ileocolitis).
Researchers do not know what causes IBD, though they are quite sure that it is not contagious and not caused by certain foods or by emotional stress. Some scientists think that IBD may be the result of a defect in the body’s immune system, its natural protection against disease. Others feel that certain infectious agents (bacteria or viruses) may cause the body to attack its own intestinal tissues, resulting in chronic inflammation.
In ulcerative colitis, the most common characteristic symptom is diarrhoea which becomes progressively worse. Blood is usually mixed with the stool. When ulcerative colitis involves most or all of the colon, symptoms are more severe, and may include extreme fatigue, fever, anaemia, and weight loss.
The early symptoms of Crohn’s disease are often more subtle, making this disease more difficult for the doctor to diagnose. Abdominal pain is the most common first sign, often occurring months before the onset of diarrhoea. Low grade fever, nausea and or vomiting, and weight loss are also common.
IBD can start at any age, but there is a peak between 15 - 30 with a possible secondary peak in the elderly. Ulcerative colitis can affect infants and very young children, but Crohn’s disease is rare under the age of five.
The Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association Inc. was established in 1985 by people who have IBD or have a family member affected. It is a voluntary, non - profit organisation committed to its members in providing and implementing services to assist members needs. Services include; Promote Self Help, Advice on Coping, Arrange contact with others who have IBD, Produce, provide and distribute educational material, Conduct educational and support group meetings, and Increase public awareness.
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