Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a colon disease that refers to a group of inflammatory disorders mostly of the large intestine including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, that cause the intestines to become inflamed. Although ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have some features in common, there are some important differences.

Crohn’s disease (CD). a colon disease that can involve ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, with ulceration and formation of fistulas and perianal abscesses. Five types are recognized, depending on the affected region:
Ileocolitis. This is the most common form, it affects the lowest part of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon).
 Ileitis. This type of colon disease affects the ileum.
Gastroduodenal CD. This type causes inflammation in the stomach and first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
 Jejunoileitis. This type causes spotty inflammation in the top half of the small intestine (jejunum).
Granulomatous CD colitis. This type affects the large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis. a colon disease that typically involves continuous inflammation from the rectum to the entire colon. This colon disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually spread to the entire large intestine. Repeated inflammation thickens the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue and greatly compromise colon health.

Ages and types of People who are most likely suffering from IBD

More than 600,000 Americans alone are diagnosed every year with some type of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 to 30 and at ages 50 to 70. Crohn’s disease may occur at any age, but it commonly affects persons between ages 15 and 35. Risk factors include a family history of Crohn’s disease, Jewish ancestry, and smoking. Men and women appear to be at equal risk of developing this colon disease. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, two- thirds to three-quarters of patients with Crohn’s disease will need bowel surgery at some time to effect colon health.

Causes of IBD and Chron colon diseases
The exact causes of IBD are unknown. This colon disease may be caused by a germ or by an immune system problem. It is known that IBD is not contagious and it seems to be hereditary. In the case of ulcerative colitis, symptoms vary in severity and may start gradually or suddenly.

They usually include all or some of the following:

 -Abdominal pain and cramps that usually disappear after a bowel movement;

•  -Constipation, difficulty passing stool;
•  -Diarrhea. It can be intermittent to very frequent;
•  -Fever;
•  -Gastrointestinal bleeding;
•  -Gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine;
•  -Nausea and vomiting;
•  -Pain in the joints;
•  -Undesired weight loss.

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is also unknown, but it has been linked to a problem with the body’s immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system helps protect the body from harmful foreign substances and pathogens. But in patients with Crohn’s disease, the immune system can no distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign invaders. The result is an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation. Since Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, symptoms can vary greatly between affected individuals.

The following may be observed:
 -Abdominal fullness and gas
-Abdominal pain and cramps
-Blood clotting problems
-Constipation
-Diarrhea. (It is usually persistent and watery)
-Eye inflammation
-Fatigue
-Fever
-Fistulas
-Foul-smelling stools
-Gastrointestinal bleeding
-Gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine
-Kidney stones
-Loss of appetite
-Pain in the joints
-Rectal bleeding and bloody stools
-Skin rash
-Swollen gums
-Undesired weight loss