Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a blanket term for diseases that cause swelling and inflammation in the walls of the gut. There are two types of IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although these are separate and distinct diseases, they cause similar symptoms and generally respond to the same types of treatments.
The two conditions have so much in common, in fact, that it's sometimes difficult to tell them apart. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine, or colon, often including the rectum. Crohn's disease -- an equally common illness -- leads to sores that extend deeper in the digestive tract wall and can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus.
As with all diseases, it takes doctor-patient cooperation to control IBD. Your doctor can prescribe medications to slow the disease and ease your symptoms, but you'll have to take an active role to manage your disease and stay healthy.
Your doctor will probably start your treatment with a medication that controls inflammation. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is a common and relatively inexpensive choice, but some people are allergic to it. If you can't tolerate sulfa drugs, olsalazine (Dipentum) or mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, or Rowasa) can be effective substitutes. These medications can help quiet an attack of IBD, and for those with ulcerative colitis, low daily doses may prevent future attacks.