Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Genetic And Environmental Factors

Lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise play a significant role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease and related conditions. Approximately thirty different genes have been linked to ulcerative colitis, and there are seventy-one genes associated with Crohn’s disease. However, these genes seem to be turned on or activated by environmental factors more so than genetics. In identical twins, there is a fifty percent chance that one will develop Crohn’s disease if the other has it. If one of the twins develops ulcerative colitis, there is only a six percent chance the other will get it. More research in this area is necessary to truly understand the full effects on inflammatory bowel disease.

Medications

The exposure to certain medications, particularly prolonged exposure, may increase an individual's risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. In fact, some research has linked oral contraception or birth control to a higher risk of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Other drugs that could play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease include isotretinoin, which is used to treat severe and persistent cases of acne (including cystic acne). Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid may not cause inflammatory bowel disease in the first place, but they have been shown to worsen symptoms associated with the disease.