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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

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A recent Scientific study investigated the association between migraine and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

  • IBD is a term that describes disorders involving long-standing (chronic) inflammation of tissues in the human digestive tract.
  • For some people, IBD is only a mild illness. For others, it’s a debilitating condition that can lead to life-threatening complications.
  • Types of IBD include:
    • Ulcerative colitis: This condition involves inflammation and sores (ulcers) along the lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum.
    • Crohn’s disease. 
      • This type of IBD is characterised by inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which often involves the deeper layers of the digestive tract.
      • Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the small intestine. However, it can also affect the large intestine and, uncommonly, the upper gastrointestinal tract.
    • A third category, indeterminate colitis IBD, refers to IBD that has features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Causes: 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 viruses or bacteria, which cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
    • There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
  • Symptoms:
    • IBD causes a range of problems in the colon and rectum, but it can also affect other parts of the body. 
    • Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are usually characterised by diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
    • People with IBD may experience flare-ups followed by periods with no symptoms.
  • Treatment:
    • Although there is no curative treatment for IBD, it’s possible to reduce inflammation and address symptoms with a variety of therapies.
    • IBD treatments may include medications, surgery, and a range of diet and lifestyle changes that help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.