Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD refers to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum.
Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the lining and wall of the colon, rectum and small intestine. The causes of IBD are not known. Although both forms of IBD are chronic diseases with periods of remission and relapse, people with IBD have a normal life span and a good quality of life. Serious bleeding may lead to loss of iron and anemia. Half the people with ulcerative colitis have only mild symptoms.