Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can be particularly challenging for children and adolescents as they impact not just physical health, but also their emotional and social well-being.
The immune system is like the body’s defense team, made up of different cells and tissues that work together to protect you from getting sick. Normally, it does a great job of identifying and fighting off harmful invaders, like viruses. But in inflammatory diseases like IBD, the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells, thinking they are harmful. This causes inflammation, which can make life uncomfortable for a child.
It’s also easy to mix up IBD with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because they sound alike and can have similar symptoms. However, they are different conditions and need different treatments.
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we understand the unique needs of young patients with IBD and are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
