What is IBD?

IBD is short for
​inflammatory bowel disease which
consists of Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)



​ 1 in 4 patients diagnosed are under 20 years old


In the United states, UC affects:

500,000 people

is the cause of:

          250,000 doctor visits &

30,000 hospitalizations Each year
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) distinguished by inflammation of the large intestine (rectum and colon). The innermost lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed, and ulcers may form on the surface.
About half of all patients with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms such as:
  • Bowel movements become looser and more urgent
  • persistent diarrhea with abdominal pain and blood in the stool
  • bloody stools
  • cramps
  • loss of appetite
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it is more commonly found at the end of the small intestine (the ileum) where it joins the beginning of the large intestine (or colon).
 Symptoms related to inflammation of the GI tract:
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Urgent need to remove bowels
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuations
  • Constipation   

Crohn's Disease

  • Inflammation may develop anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the anus
  • Most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine
  • May appear in discontinuous patches
  • May extend through entire thickness of bowel wall
  • About 67% of people in remission will have at least 1 relapse over the next 5 years

Ulcerative Colitis

  • Limited to the large intestine (colon and rectum)
  • Occurs in the rectum and colon, involving a part or the entire colon
  • Inflammation appears in a continuous pattern
  • Inflammation occurs in innermost lining of the intestine
  • About 30% of people in remission will experience a relapse within the next year

Global incidence of Inflamatory Bowel Disease

Approximately 1.4 million people in the united states are affected by IBD

Both men and women are affected equally

can occur at anytime during a lifetime

However, so far there is no known cause or cure for inflammatory bowel disease. The pain and symptoms can range anywhere from mild to very severe.  This is where the I3 team comes in. We have been proactive in our research enrolling potential participants to develop a comprehensive database of IBD patients within the UPHS health system. Moreover, we are in the process of investigating immunological factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. However, the most important part of the whole movement is the patient's willingness to contribute which helps us get closer to our goal.