What is inflammatory bowel disease?

IBD is a term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine, most commonly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms and disease patterns vary between individuals.

How do Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis differ?

Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the digestive tract and often shows patchy areas of inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is usually limited to the colon and involves continuous inflammation. Diagnostic tests and follow‑up are tailored to the specific diagnosis.

Which specialist should I see first?

If IBD is suspected, a gastroenterologist is the primary specialist for diagnosis and ongoing care. Other specialists may be consulted depending on complications or extra‑intestinal symptoms.

When should I go to the emergency department?

Seek urgent evaluation for severe abdominal pain, fainting, heavy or ongoing bleeding, very high fever or difficulty breathing. These signs may indicate a serious complication requiring immediate care.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, most commonly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This page gives general information on typical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and which specialties may be involved. It is intended for general guidance and not as personalized medical advice.

What IBD is and its main types

IBD is a group of conditions marked by recurring or persistent inflammation of the intestinal wall. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which mainly affects the colon. Course and severity vary between individuals, with periods of increased activity (flares) and remission.

Common symptoms and extra‑intestinal signs

People with IBD often experience chronic or recurrent diarrhea, sometimes with visible blood, abdominal pain, urgent bowel movements, unintentional weight loss and fatigue. Extra‑intestinal manifestations can include joint pain, skin changes and eye inflammation. Symptom pattern and intensity differ from person to person.

How IBD is investigated

Diagnosis usually combines medical history and physical examination with laboratory tests, stool studies, endoscopic evaluation (colonoscopy or upper endoscopy when indicated) and imaging (MRI, CT, or ultrasound). These tests help exclude infections, assess inflammation and map disease extent. Gastroenterologists coordinate the diagnostic process.

Care pathway and multidisciplinary support

Long‑term management often involves regular follow‑up, lifestyle adjustments and input from a team of specialists as needed. Depending on findings, care may include gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, radiology, nutrition services, dermatology, ophthalmology and rheumatology. Nutrition and symptom self‑management plans are individualized.

Complications and when to seek urgent care

IBD can lead to complications such as bowel obstruction, severe bleeding, or widespread infection. Seek urgent medical attention or emergency services for severe abdominal pain, fainting or signs of shock, heavy or persistent bleeding, very high fever or sudden breathing difficulty.

Bu hastalıkla ilişkili sık görülen belirtiler

Diarrhea

Change in stool color

Rectal bleeding

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Gastroenterology

Questions (1)

Uzun süredir ishal ve IBS; dışkıda kan gelmesi ne yapmalıyım?

Frequently asked questions

Which specialist can help?

Gastroenterology is the main specialty for IBD assessment and follow‑up; surgical and other specialty input may be needed.

Uzm. Dr. Ali Ergin

Gastroenteroloji Specialist

Gastroenteroloji

HG Hastanesi

Onikişubat

Kahramanmaraş

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