These are the two major types of what is known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD for short; they are much more complex, involving abnormal immune system responses, possibly allergies, intestinal permeability and genetic factors. Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis now affect one in every thousand people and, if they are not treated properly, can necessitate surgery to remove the damaged section of the digestive tract.
Whether a person is diagnosed with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis depends on the location and type of inflammation, as well as the symptoms. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the lining of the colon only; classic symptoms are passing blood and mucus, pain before defecation, a general feeling of tiredness and, in more severe cases, diarrhoea. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the bowel, usually the last part of the small intestine (the ileum), in a more severe way, thickening the intestinal wall, often with normal bowel in between inflamed sections.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Complex Equation
Are You Auto-Immune?
Healing the Gut
Understanding Inflammation
Nature’s anti-inflammatories
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