Inflammatory bowel disease

Nature 
Inflammatory bowel disease takes two forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both of which are more virulent than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with which the disease is sometimes confused. After a sufficient period, it is possible to clearly diagnose the disease. Parts of the intestine become inflamed and food may not be absorbed properly. Sometimes the diseased part of the bowel is surgically removed. The causes of the disease are not known, but there may be a genetic predisposition to Crohn's disease. In addition, diet and emotions, such as anxiety and feelings of stress have been weakly linked to the disease.
Incidence 
Inflammatory bowel disease is much less common than IBS, which shares some of the same early symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease affects women and men equally often.
Broader 
Disorders of the bowel
Narrower 
Colitis
Crohn's disease
Related 
Irritable bowel syndrome
Aggravates 
Adhesion related disorders
Aggravated by 
Diverticulitis
Reference(s) 
Macdermott, R P: Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Current Status and Future Approach: proceedings of the international symposium on future research approaches - mechanisms of chronic infection and inflammation
DeDombal, F T: Inflammatory Bowel Disease: some international data and reflections
Type 
(E) Emanations of other problems