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Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...

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A TNBS-Induced Rodent Model to Study the Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Crohn's Disease

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Published on: March 1, 2022

Pain and inflammatory bowel disease.

Klaus Bielefeldt¹, Brian Davis, David G Binion

¹Center for Pain Research, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. bielefeldtk@upmc.edu

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

|January 9, 2009

Summary

Chronic pain in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may persist after inflammation resolves due to sensitized pain pathways. Addressing pain involves managing inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and psychological factors.

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Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Published on: February 1, 2012

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Neuroscience
Pain Medicine

Background:

Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Pain in IBD can stem from inflammation, blockage, and gut distention, typically improving with reduced disease activity.
A notable subset of IBD patients experiences persistent pain even when inflammation is controlled and clinical remission is achieved.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the mechanisms behind persistent pain in IBD patients, even in the absence of active inflammation.
To investigate the role of sensitized sensory pathways and central nervous system processing in chronic IBD pain.
To highlight the influence of psychological factors on pain perception and management in IBD.

Main Methods:

Review of current evidence on peripheral and central pain mechanisms in IBD.
Analysis of the impact of inflammation on sensory neuron sensitization and central pain processing.
Consideration of the contribution of neuropsychiatric comorbidities like anxiety and depression to chronic pain.

Main Results:

Inflammation can lead to sensitization of peripheral sensory pathways and altered central pain processing, resulting in persistent pain.
Pain perception is modulated by arousal, emotion, and cognitive factors, which are frequently impacted in IBD patients.
Chronic pain in IBD is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Conclusions:

Persistent pain in IBD suggests underlying sensitization of pain pathways, extending beyond active inflammation.
Effective management of chronic IBD pain requires a biopsychosocial approach, addressing inflammation, nerve sensitization, and psychological elements.
Future treatment strategies should integrate therapies targeting peripheral sensitization, central processing, and cognitive-behavioral aspects to alleviate disabling pain symptoms.