Article
Article
Inflammatory bowel disease
Article By:
Katz, Leonard A. Health Care Plan Medical Center, Buffalo, New York.
Last reviewed:September 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.343625
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- Inflammatory bowel disease, published June 2014:Download PDF
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A general term for disorders causing chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Two closely related conditions, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (Fig. 1), are the predominant forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In both conditions, the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract becomes subject to inflammation. The anatomical areas affected by inflammatory bowel disease include the colon (large intestine), small intestine, and sometimes other portions of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, several sites outside the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. In 15–25% of the cases limited to the colon, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cannot be distinguished by clinical manifestations, x-ray examination, or even pathology. In general, the cause or causes of these diseases are unknown. See also: Colon; Digestive system; Gastrointestinal tract disorders; Immune response in inflammatory bowel disease; Inflammation; Intestine
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