What is IBD?
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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:
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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:
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Crohn's Disease
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Ulcerative Colitis
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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.
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