Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two of the primary inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and the rectum while Crohn’s primarily affects both the colon and the small bowel, but inflammation may be present anywhere in the GI tract and may affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall. Both diseases are chronic in nature and tend to relapse. Traditional treatments for IBDs are surgical, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressant medications (corticosteroids for example), antibiotics, anti-diarrheal, pain relievers, and supplements.

• Inflammation
• Abnormal microflora in the gut
• Autoimmune component
• Overreaction of the immune system
• Genetic susceptibility

Complications from Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Crohn’s Disease

• Abdominal pain/cramps 
• Bowel blockage 
• Constipation 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Fistulas 
• Loss of appetite 
• Night Sweats 
• Persistent diarrhea 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Weight loss 

 Ulcerative Colitis 

• Abdominal pain 
• Blood/pus in stool 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Frequent, recurring diarrhea 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Reduced appetite 
• Tenesmus 
• Weight loss