GIT II disease Bowel Disease

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

A chronic (long-term) inflammation of the intestines.

What are the two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

How does Ulcerative colitis affect the intestinal layers?

It affects the mucosa and submucosa only.

How does Crohn’s disease affect the intestinal layers?

It affects all layers (transmural) of the intestinal wall.

What is the key idea about the aetiology (causes) of IBD?

The exact cause is unknown (idiopathic).

What genetic factor is important in IBD?

NOD2 gene, which normally detects bacteria and helps control immune response.

What is a significant problem associated with genetic factors in IBD?

Mutation in the NOD2 gene leads to an overactive immune response.

How does gut microbiota contribute to IBD?

The immune system reacts abnormally to normal bacteria, causing chronic inflammation.

What environmental factors increase the risk of developing IBD?

Processed foods, high sugar intake, low fiber diet, and industrialized lifestyle.

What is the biggest factor in the pathogenesis of IBD?

Immune system dysfunction, leading to an overactive immune response that attacks the intestine.

What are the characteristic features of Crohn’s disease pathology?

Transmural inflammation, skip lesions, cobblestone appearance, and granulomas.

Where does Crohn’s disease typically occur in the GI tract?

It can occur anywhere in the GI tract, but commonly affects the terminal ileum.

What are common clinical manifestations of Ulcerative Colitis?

Bloody diarrhea, mucus in stool, and lower abdominal pain.

What severe complication can occur with Ulcerative Colitis?

Toxic megacolon, where the colon becomes massively dilated, potentially life-threatening.

What are the cancer risks associated with Crohn’s disease?

Increased risk of adenocarcinoma.

How does the disease pattern of Crohn’s disease manifest?

It is relapsing-remitting, having flare-ups and symptom-free periods.

What distinguishes Ulcerative Colitis's pathology from Crohn’s disease?

Ulcerative Colitis only affects the mucosa and submucosa with continuous inflammation.

What are extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD?

Arthritis, erythema nodosum, uveitis, pneumonitis, and increased clot risk.

What diagnostic tests are used for IBD?

Colonoscopy/endoscopy, imaging (X-ray, CT), and faecal calprotectin.

What is a key difference between IBD and IBS?

IBD is inflammatory whereas IBS is not inflammatory.

What is the overall summary of IBD?

IBD is characterized by the immune system attacking the gut, leading to chronic inflammation with two main types: Crohn’s (patchy, deep, anywhere) and Ulcerative Colitis (continuous, superficial, colon only).