Inflammatory bowel Disease (IBD)
· IBD is a term that encompasses both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
· Its cause or etiology is a mystery; presumably it is the result from poor regulation of the intestinal immune system and an overreaction to normal intestinal bacteria.
· IBD usually begin in people during their late teens and 20s and lasts a lifetime, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea and gastrointestinal bleeding.
· Entire sections of the intestine may become blocked by scar tissue, requiring surgical removal.
· Those afflicted are at greater risk for colon cancer.
· Currently, there isn't a cure, but antibiotics, steroids, pain and immune-modulating drugs such as cyclosporine help reduce the symptoms.
· In the US and other industrialized countries, the disorder is rampant, but it is less evident in underdeveloped countries. Why?

You may find it interesting that IBD is notably rare in poorer countries where parasitic worm infections are common

Researchers have learned that the intestine houses a complex ecosystem, including 200 to 300 different species of bacteria as well as various viruses and parasites. All of the inhabitants modulate the intestinal immune system, which is largely governed by two types of T-cells found in the intestinal lining: TH1 induces inflammation, TH2 neutralizes the inflammatory response. For unknown reasons, many parasitic infections induce a pure TH2, anti-inflammatory, response.

Recommended for further information, see InteliHealth (IBD; Crohn's, and UC)