Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition used to describe chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types of this condition are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus, while ulcerative colitis is confined to the large intestine. Symptoms common among inflammatory bowel diseases, specifically the two mentioned already, include cramping and abdominal pain, reduced appetite, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss, as well as blood in the stool.

It is crucial to understand the different causes and complications of inflammatory bowel disease to ensure the most appropriate and effective treatment methods. Learn about these complications and causes now.

Immune System Malfunction

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are autoimmune conditions, which occur when the immune system mistakes tissues and organs in the body as foreign invaders and responds by attacking them. This results in ulceration, inflammation, bleeding, abdominal pain, and fever. Severe cases of either of these conditions may include the formation of pus-filled ulcers on the lining of the colon, which causes problems eating, using the bathroom, and absorbing nutrients. Autoimmunity is the reflection of an overactive immune system and not an impaired one. It may be stabilized by eating an alkaline diet free of digestive irritants.

Ethnicity

Inflammatory bowel disease is most common in the Caucasian population, especially in individuals of northern European descent and within the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Although the reason for this increased risk is not known, one theory is these groups have been exposed to genes associated with the condition more than other groups have. Recent research indicates the ethnic gaps are narrowing, especially with the exposure of Westernized diets to many parts of the developing world. One study suggested African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to undergo surgery due to inflammatory bowel disease.