Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Chron's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It is named after the physician who first described the disease in 1932. Chron's disease is sometimes also known as granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis. Ulcerative colitis is another chronic inflammatory condition, involving only the colon. IBD affects approximately 500,000 to 2 million people in the.                        

The exact cause of IBD is unknown. Some scientists suspect it may be triggered by infections from certain bacteria, but definitive evidence to support this is lacking. IBD may also be caused by autoimmune reactions. The immune system normally defends the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders. However, if the body's own tissues are mistakenly recognized as "foreign," an autoimmune disease can result. In the case of IBD, the immune system attacks the cells lining the digestive tract. Recent research suggests inflammatory bowel disorders may also involve genetic predisposing factors.

Currently there is no medical cure for IBD, and current treatments are not very effective. Once the diseases begin, they tend to fluctuate between periods of inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse); the treatment goal is to promote longer periods of remission and reduce the frequency and duration of relapses. Current approaches include treatment, as necessary, with anti-inflammatory medications, immune suppressing agents, anti-diarrheal medications and/or other drugs. Dietary modifications, such as reducing fiber intake and consuming a liquid diet, can be helpful. If portions of the intestine become severely diseased, surgery may be required.