Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
While Crohn’s disease is most commonly found in the small intestine near the beginning of the large intestine, it can occur in any portion of the GI tract, including the mouth. The damage to the GI tract caused by inflammation can be patchy and interspersed with healthy tissue.
Ulcerative colitis occurs in the large intestine and the rectum, with areas of inflammation damage usually starting at the rectum and spreading in a continuous manner into the colon. The innermost layer of the lining of the colon is affected by the inflammation.
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Recurring diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stools
Early treatment and lifestyle changes are important in minimizing damage from inflammatory bowel diseases and preventing further complications.
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