Receiving a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be daunting. This term encompasses chronic illnesses that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Symptoms can range from abdominal discomfort to diarrhea, often making it feel necessary to be near a restroom.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IBD currently affects between 2.4 and 3.1 million Americans, with its prevalence on the rise. But who might develop IBD, and what should they look out for? Here’s what you need to learn.

Understanding IBD

IBD is classified as an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your intestines, leading to inflammation, as noted by the CDC.

The two primary types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They are often discussed together due to their similar characteristics, including symptoms, underlying factors, and treatment strategies, says Dr. Gil Melmed, MD, who leads the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Research at Cedars-Sinai and works with the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology there.

Crohn’s disease can impact any part or layer of the bowel (ranging from the mouth to the anus), causing patches of healthy intestine to exist next to areas of chronic inflammation. In contrast, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon’s inner lining, according to UCLA Health.

What triggers IBD?

The specific causes of IBD remain unclear, but it’s believed that both genetics and environmental factors play a role, according to Melmed.

Individuals with a family history of IBD are at a heightened risk; however, it’s important to note that genetics alone does not determine if someone will develop the disease, Melmed adds.

Environmental factors potentially linked to IBD in those with a genetic predisposition include the use of antibiotics, medication exposure, pollution, hygiene practices, diet, and climate variations. Notably, smoking is a specific risk factor for Crohn’s disease, Melmed points out.

IBD can manifest at any age, but the average onset age is in the late 20s, according to Melmed. Unfortunately, there is as of now no cure for either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Identifying IBD Symptoms

The CDC notes that IBD symptoms often fluctuate. During a flare-up, common symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Nausea

Particularly in ulcerative colitis, diarrhea frequently occurs with rectal bleeding, according to Melmed. It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms persist.

While IBD primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, it can also cause symptoms in other body systems, referred to as extraintestinal manifestations. These may affect organs like the eyes, skin, or liver, Melmed explains.

Children can also be affected by IBD, making early diagnosis extremely important. Sometimes, the only indicators of IBD in children may be stunted growth regarding height and weight, Melmed adds.

Differentiating IBD from IBS

IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although they share some symptoms, the underlying processes of these conditions are quite different. IBD is an inflammatory disease where the immune system is overly active, whereas IBS is not inflammatory but rather a state of an irritable bowel, Melmed explains.

IBS involves problems with bowel movements, where the bowel may respond excessively fast or slow due to factors like diet or stress. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, according to Melmed.

It is crucial to distinguish between IBD and IBS because treatments for each require different strategies. IBD, driven by inflammation, is typically treated with medications that reduce that inflammation, while IBS is managed symptomatically, as it does not stem from an overactive immune response, Melmed concludes.