IBD Resource Center
Health ConditionsDigestive HealthIBD

IBD

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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have IBD, you might experience symptoms like abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss, among others. Treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation and, in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle strategies such as dietary changes, stress management, and quitting smoking also play a key role in managing IBD symptoms.

FAQ

What are the main types of IBD?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD.
Genetics can increase the risk for IBD, but it's not always hereditary. Environmental and immune-related factors can also raise the risk of developing IBD.
Yes, certain foods can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. It’s less clear if diet can trigger inflammation. Foods that may trigger symptoms include those high in insoluble fiber (like the skin of an apple) and lactose (like cow’s milk).
Diagnosing IBD often involves a discussion of personal health history, a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests. An endoscopy is necessary with biopsies (a procedure used to view the digestive tract).
IBD is a lifelong chronic condition, but effective treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle strategies like dietary changes.
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Yuying Luo, MD

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Yuying Luo, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside in New York City. She aims to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic care ...

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Kareem Sassi, MD, practices gastroenterology at UCLA Health in Santa Monica, California, with clinical interests in esophageal disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammator...
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Amber Charoen, MD, is a triple board-certified gastroenterologist at Prosser Memorial Health in Prosser, Washington, where she provides comprehensive gastrointestinal (GI) care in ...

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Rabia de Latour, MD, is a therapeutic endoscopist and gastroenterologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she serves as the director of endoscopy and chief sustainability ...
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Resources
  1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 21, 2024.
  2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. December 18, 2024.

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