Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, usually treats inflammatory bowel disease. A colorectal surgeon, a doctor who operates on the bowel, may help if surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a group of diseases. Below, we cover two types of IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Crohn's disease is a long-lasting disease that causes inflammation, or swelling, in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis, also called UC, causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the rectum and colon. Microscopic colitis is another common type of IBD.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. It usually affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
Symptoms
Crohn's symptoms depend on where the swelling is and how bad it is. The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are diarrhea, cramping and pain in the belly, and weight loss.
Other possible symptoms are anemia, eye redness or pain, tiredness, and fever. Anemia means you have fewer red blood cells than normal.
The most common symptoms of UC are pain in the belly and blood or pus in diarrhea. Other UC symptoms may include severe tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, and bleeding from the rectum. About half of people with UC have mild symptoms. Some people with UC have long periods of remission, when they are free of symptoms.
Crohn's disease can also cause other problems. One is an intestinal obstruction, which is a blockage in the intestine. A blockage in the intestine can be life-threatening. Another is a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection. Malnutrition can happen when your body does not get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Researchers think an autoimmune reaction may be one cause. An autoimmune reaction happens when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. Genes may also play a role, since Crohn's disease can run in families. Stress and certain foods do not cause the disease, but they can make symptoms worse.
Some things raise the risk of Crohn's disease.
- A parent, child, or sibling with the disease puts you at higher risk.
- Smoking may double your risk.
UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. UC tends to run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start by asking about your symptoms and your family history. For UC, doctors use blood tests, stool tests, imaging tests, and a colonoscopy. For Crohn's disease, doctors may also use an upper GI endoscopy, which uses a scope to look inside the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Treatment
There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but treatments can lower inflammation, ease symptoms, and prevent problems. No single treatment works for everyone. Crohn's medicines include corticosteroids, also called steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Steroids should only be used for a short time. Many Crohn's medicines work by reducing the activity of your immune system. Other medicines can help with symptoms or complications, such as anti-diarrheal medicines. If Crohn's disease causes an infection, you may need antibiotics. Talk with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines.
Doctors treat UC with medicines and sometimes surgery. Aminosalicylates are medicines for mild or moderate UC and for staying in remission. Corticosteroids treat moderate to severe flares and are not meant for long-term use. Immunosuppressants and biologics help people with moderate to severe UC. Many people need medicine for life. Severe UC is usually treated in a hospital. Surgery removes the colon and rectum. It is needed if medicines fail or if life-threatening problems like severe bleeding occur.
If Crohn's symptoms are severe, you may need bowel rest. Bowel rest means drinking only certain liquids or not eating or drinking anything. It will last for a few days or up to several weeks.
There is no cure for Crohn's disease. Surgery can treat complications and improve symptoms. Surgery can treat fistulas, bleeding that is life threatening, and blockages in the intestine.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain, severe vomiting that will not stop, bleeding that will not stop, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can ask about your symptoms and your family history.
Common questions
Is Crohn's disease the same as IBD?
No, Crohn's disease is one type of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis are other common types of IBD.
Is there a cure for IBD?
It depends on the type. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, one type of IBD, but treatments can lower inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent problems.
Does stress cause IBD?
No, stress does not cause Crohn's disease, one type of IBD, but it can make symptoms worse.
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the rectum and colon.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Crohn's Disease
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
- MedlinePlus - Ulcerative Colitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Crohn's Disease
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
