Ask Dr. K: Inflammatory bowel disease causes lifelong symptoms

DEAR DOCTOR K >> What is inflammatory bowel disease?

DEAR READER >> Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually refers to two conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract.

In both types of inflammatory bowel disease, the body's immune system starts attacking the intestinal tissue. This attack may be an example of "collateral damage." The immune system may be attacking bacteria in the intestine, and cause inflammation of the intestine as a result. Whatever the reason, the immune system does what it shouldn't do: attack normal intestinal tissues. That's why inflammatory bowel disease is called an "autoimmune" disease.

In Crohn's disease, inflammation injures the small intestine, although it also can affect the large intestine (and other parts of the body). As a result, the inside lining and deeper layers of the intestinal wall become inflamed and irritated. The lining thickens or wears away in spots. This creates ulcers, cracks, fissures and pockets of pus. Abnormal connections between organs in the digestive tract often form as well.

Once Crohn's disease begins, it causes lifelong symptoms that come and go. Symptoms may include:

abdominal pain

diarrhea

sores around the anus

drainage of pus or mucus from the anus

pain during bowel movements

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Ask Dr. K: Inflammatory bowel disease causes lifelong symptoms