Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Inflammatory bowel disease


Description

Ongoing inflammation of all or part of the intestines.

Overview

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is ongoing inflammation of all or part of the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are types of IBD.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include diarrhea, blood in the stool, belly pain and cramping, fatigue, and weight loss.

Treatments

A variety of medicines can help ease the inflammation that triggers symptoms.