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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) consists of two diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both are caused by the immune system attacking the bowel, and are chronic (on-going) diseases consisting of active flare ups and periods when the symptoms subside.
With ulcerative colitis, only the large intestine becomes irritated, sore and swollen, and the child or adult experiences cramping and bloody diarrhea. Because ulcerative colitis can come on suddenly, symptoms are often first believed to be caused by an infection. Cultures (stool studies) for bacteria done by a doctor will easily reveal if there is an infection or if it may be ulcerative colitis.
With Crohn's, inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract may occur and a child or adult may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and anal infections. Crohn's disease can also come on suddenly, but often the onset and symptoms come on more gradually and are less specific than those of ulcerative colitis.
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