Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What conditions are included in inflammatory bowel disease?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
digestive system disease
Learn why eating large meals can cause bloating, heartburn, and discomfort.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to chronic inflammation of the intestines that impairs the absorption of nutrients. The term encompasses two primary disorders:1
- Crohn disease: A condition characterized by inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract, though it most commonly occurs in the terminal portion of the ileum.21
- Ulcerative colitis: A related inflammatory condition that, unlike Crohn disease, is typically distinguished by the specific location and nature of intestinal damage.231
While both conditions share symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and fever, they are distinct clinical entities. IBD is generally considered to be polygenic, meaning it arises from a combination of genetic variations, and it is often associated with abnormal immune system function.21