Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): What Is It?

"Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues. The estimated number of adults in the U.S. reporting being diagnosed with IBD has increased greatly since 1999.

The estimated number of adults in the U.S. reporting being diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has increased greatly since 1999 from 2 million to 3 million. However, these estimates do not include those under the age of 18 who may also have the disease.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus and includes the organs that digest food, absorb nutrients, and process wastes.¹ Long-term inflammation results in damage to the GI tract..."
IBD