Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Treatment for IBD typically involves a combination of medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery. Research in the field of inflammatory bowel diseases focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the diseases, developing new treatments, and improving the quality of life for patients. This research can help to identify new therapeutic targets, improve diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases, and ultimately find a cure for IBD.