| Inflammatory bowel disease is a major problem, affecting 1 in 2000 individuals in the developed world. In its milder forms it causes diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, but more severe forms can cause life-threatening blood loss, intra-abdominal infections and an increased risk of bowel cancer. This explains the effects of IBD upon the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, along with the possible causes of the condition and the treatments available. Particular emphasis is placed on the two main conditions in IBD – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease |