May 19: World IBD Day

Edward Johnson, hi-tech and engineering expert, May 19, 2025

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel diseases, or IBD, refer to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the wall of the digestive tract. IBD results from a disruption of the immune system, which reacts abnormally against intestinal bacteria. This immune response causes chronic inflammation, which gradually damages the intestinal mucosa. IBD can occur at any age, but most often begins in adolescents and young adults.

Main forms of IBD

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main forms of IBD. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation is described as transmural, meaning it affects all layers of the intestinal wall, which can lead to strictures, fistulas or abscesses. The lesions are often discontinuous, separated by areas of healthy intestine. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is limited to the colon and rectum. The inflammation is continuous starting from the rectum and only affects the superficial mucosa.

Common symptoms

Chronic diarrhea is the main symptom, sometimes bloody in ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, often located in the lower right part of the abdomen in Crohn's disease, is common. Weight loss, persistent fatigue and moderate fever may also occur. In ulcerative colitis, patients often report urgent bowel movements, rectal tenesmus and a feeling of incomplete emptying. Extra-digestive signs are also common: joint pain, skin lesions, and inflammation of the eyes or liver.

Treatments

For mild forms of ulcerative colitis, aminosalicylates are prescribed orally or locally. To maintain remission, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or methotrexate are often prescribed. In severe forms or cases resistant to conventional treatments, biologic therapies are used. Anti-TNF drugs block the action of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Surgery is sometimes necessary, especially in cases of complications (fistulas, strictures, abscesses, toxic megacolon) or failure of medical treatments.