INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.If prolonged, this inflammation results in damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a chronic condition that impacts many facets of life of those afflicted. People suffering from IBD often miss work or school, and report feeling that they miss out on a large part of life due to having to plan around their condition.

The common symptoms include at least one or typically a combination of the following:

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Food intolerance

• Abdominal pains and cramps

• Excessive gas and/or bloating

• Mucus in the feces

• Unremitting feeling of needing to move the bowels, even after just having done so

• Urinary Frequency

• Heartburn or indigestion

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Depression