Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). IBD is a lifelong chronic inflammatory illness affecting the bowel without known medical cure, which is typically diagnosed in young adults and is associated with considerable morbidity, reduced quality of life and disability. IBD is a heterogeneous condition, with a broad range of presentations and severity. IBD is best managed using a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating gastroenterologists, surgeons and allied health staff including nurses, dieticians and psychologists. Modern management of IBD should incorporate objective evidence of inflammatory disease activity to best inform management decisions. The therapeutic evolution in IBD has raised treatment expectations, and the current target of therapy for IBD is endoscopic mucosal healing.