Your browser is out of date

With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience. Update my browser now.

×

What Causes IBD?

The following factors could contribute to IBDs4,7

A family history of IBDs increase an individual’s risk of developing IBD

A family history of IBDs increase an individual’s risk of developing IBD

Immune reactions to viruses or bacteria could cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract

Immune reactions to viruses or bacteria could cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract

Smoking has been shown to be strongly linked to Crohn’s disease (CD)

Smoking has been shown to be strongly linked to Crohn’s disease (CD)

How are IBDs diagnosed?

Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs) requires a combination of clinical, laboratory and imaging findings.4

ibd laboratory tests icon

Laboratory tests

Blood tests

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
  • CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

Stool tests

  • Fecal Calprotectin
ibd imaging tests icon

Imaging tests

  • Colonoscopy (Endoscopic examination of the large bowel with a camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging 
  • Double Contract Barium Enema: x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken with a liquid containing barium which is put into the rectum to make the structures easier to see

How can IBDs be managed?

An IBD specialist would recommend one or a combination of the following management options, depending on the disease severity and patient condition.6

ibd medications icon

Medications

can help control inflammation and symptoms

ibd surgery icon

Surgery

could be curative with Ulcerative colitis and is common to manage Crohn's complications 

Seek an IBD specialist now

References

  1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 18). Overview of inflammatory bowel disease. [Published on the Cleveland Clinic website]. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15587-inflammatory-bowel-disease-overview
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022, February 21). Inflammatory bowel disease: Overview. [Published in the PubMed Central database]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344991/
  3. Medscape. (2023, January 18). Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. [Published on the Medscape website]. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/179037-treatment
  4. Nguyen, H. T. (2023). The role of gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease. W: L. Chang (Red.), Inflammatory bowel disease: A guide for patients and caregivers (ss. 101-112). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
  5. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022, February 21). Inflammatory bowel disease: Overview. [Published in the PubMed Central database]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344991/
  6. Medscape. (2023, January 18). Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. [Published on the Medscape website]. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/179037-treatment
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/what-is-IBD