Inflammatory bowel disease

What is the main cause of inflammatory bowel disease?

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are: The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There also appears to be a genetic component.

What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease usually are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. For some people, IBD is only a mild illness. For others, it's a debilitating condition that can lead to life-threatening complications.