So What Is Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis? Pathophysiology of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders principally affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) comprise the two main types of IBD. It is mainly a disease of the Western world probably due to the impact of lifestyle, but in the recent years the incidence of these diseases has been increasing worldwide due to the influence of several other factors. The genetic predisposition, immune mechanisms leading to the immune system reacting against their own body called autoimmunity, alterations in the intestinal bacterial flora, and the influence of several environmental factors either singly or in combination have been postulated as the reasons for developing IBD. Several of these genetic factors and immune mechanisms are being studied currently leading to advancement in treatment strategies. IBD not only causes gastrointestinal symptoms but can also affect several extraintestinal organs, thus affecting the quality of life to a large extent. Thus IBD can present in various ways in individuals, and hence a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology and disease mechanism is essential.