Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A case of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has emerged  from a village in Andhra Pradesh. 

• Age: IBD can develop at any age but usually appears before age 35.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune condition 

• In this disease, White blood cells mistakenly attack cells in the gut, causing ulcers in the mucosa.
  • As a result a child with  IBD may develop fever, loose stools and bloody diarrhea. 

Effects on Nutrition and Health

• Nutrient Absorption: Impaired absorption of macro and micronutrients.
• Consequences: Weight loss, muscle mass reduction, anaemia, and vitamin deficiencies may occur.

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Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Ulcerative Colitis: It affects only the large bowel.
• Crohn’s Disease: It can affect any part of the gut, from the mouth to the anus.
• Indeterminate Colitis: It is used when it is challenging to distinguish between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Factors Causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Family History and Genetics: Individuals are more likely to develop IBD if they have a parent, sibling, or child with the IBD condition.
• Smoking 
  • Crohn’s Disease: Smoking is a significant risk factor and worsens symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
  • Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Nonsmokers and former smokers are more commonly affected by UC.
• Food: Adoption of Western food habits and lifestyle is closely associated with alterations in gut microbiota.
  • IBD Predisposition: These changes in the gut microbiota increase the likelihood of developing IBD.
• Immune System
  • Immune Response: The immune system, which normally defends against pathogens, may cause IBD.
    • Inflammation: Bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation as the body fights the infection.