What is it?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name for two conditions. They are both caused by a problem with your immune system. Both conditions make the bowel inflamed.

Ulcerative colitis: This only affects your large bowel (colon and/or rectum). Inflammation is only on the top layers of your bowel. It causes tiny, open sores in the lining of your bowel.

Crohn's disease: This can affect any part of your digestive tract. Inflammation can happen through the entire thickness of the bowel.