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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Center

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Center

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Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The cause of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, is not known. Studies suggest they are caused by a combination of things, including genes, environmental factors, and problems with the immune system.

There is strong evidence to suggest a genetic basis for IBD, including:

Recommended Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1. Could any condition other than IBD be causing my symptoms? 2. Do I have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease? 3. What parts of my digestive system are affected at this point? 4. What medications do you recommend? 5. How soon should I expect relief? 6. What side effects from the medicines should I watch out for? What should I do if I notice them? 7. What should I do if my...

Read the 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Inflammatory Bowel Disease article > >

Family history: As many as 20% of people with IBD have a family history of it.
Race and ethnicity: IBD is more common in white people. It's also more common in Jews, especially Ashkenazi Jews.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genes

In 2006, the first gene associated with Crohn's disease, the NOD2 gene, was identified. Since then, researchers have uncovered over 200 related genomic regions for IBD.

Finding a genetic link would help scientists understand the changes that lead to IBD, and help them improve treatments. A genetic link could also lead to a test for IBD.

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