IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis 

IBD is two distinct conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Crohn’s disease can inflame any part of the GI tract, from mouth to butt. Most often, it’s at the end of the small intestine and the first part of the colon (large intestine). Inflammation can extend all the way through the intestinal layers, and it may be spotty.

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. Inflammation is in the innermost part of the colon lining, and it’s continuous — meaning it doesn’t skip spots.