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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Meaning

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a collective term for chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are characterized by a sustained, inappropriate immune response against the gut microbiota and mucosal lining, leading to chronic inflammation, ulceration, and debilitating symptoms. IBD is often associated with significant systemic complications, including nutrient malabsorption, bone density loss, and profound disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis due to chronic stress. Effective clinical management requires controlling the underlying immune-mediated inflammation and addressing the complex systemic and hormonal sequelae.