Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can occur anywhere from your mouth to your anal canal, but it most often affects your intestines.

If you frequently experience abdominal pain, cramping and/or any of the following symptoms, there is a chance you may have IBD:

• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Urgency to have bowel movements

If you suspect you may have IBD, it is important to seek early treatment from a doctor. Early detection and diagnosis is essential to the effective management of any medical condition, including IBD, and the sooner IBD or another underlying condition is identified, the sooner you can begin treatment for your symptoms.

IBD is a chronic disease, which means it will last for your entire lifetime. Although this may be difficult to accept at first, you will soon realize that the condition is typically manageable. Here are some steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms of IBD and keep the disease in remission:

1. Familiarize yourself with IBD
   Learning all you can about IBD and its various symptoms can help you better manage the disease and feel more in control of your health. Reading this document is a good first step! Other reliable sources of information on IBD include your doctor and the library.