Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic - i.e. lifelong - inflammations of the large or small intestine. In some cases, the entire digestive tract (oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine) is affected by the inflammation. This can lead to various, often very pronounced symptoms. The most common Symptoms count:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Anaemia and/or blood loss via the intestines
• Joint problems

The most common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are the Crohn's disease and the Ulcerative colitis.

Despite many years of research, the exact causes of IBD are still not fully understood. However, it is fairly certain that they are multifactorial diseases. This means that a combination of different factors is responsible for their development. These most likely include

• Genetic predisposition
• Eating habits
• Smoking
• Hygiene
• Barrier function of the intestinal mucosa

The barrier function of the intestinal mucosa plays a particularly important role in the development of IBD. The mucous membrane that lines the inside of the intestine functions as a kind of protective layer against pathogens and other harmful substances. If this protective layer is weakened, it cannot fulfil its barrier function properly and intestinal bacteria can colonise the intestinal wall. This can trigger a strong immune reaction in the body in the form of inflammation.

According to current knowledge, IBD is therefore not a so-called autoimmune disease, but a disorder of the immune barrier with a subsequent inflammatory reaction. Various psychological factors can have an effect on the course of the disease, but are not a possible cause.

Crohn's disease is one of the most common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Young people are most frequently affected - the disease usually sets in between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it can also occur later in life.

Crohn's disease is an inflammation that can affect the entire digestive tract from the oral cavity to the anus. However, it often occurs at the junction between the large intestine and small intestine. Several non-contiguous areas can also be affected. The disease progresses in phases: Symptom-free phases alternate with phases of more pronounced symptoms. The following symptoms are typical and can be indications of the disease:

• Persistent diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Fever
• Weight loss

In some cases, it can also lead to skin changes, joint problems or eye inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine in which ulcers and inflammation form in the innermost mucosal layer of the large intestine. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and then spreads continuously towards the large intestine. The inflammation then comes to a standstill at the transition between the small intestine and colon - unlike Crohn's disease, in which all areas of the digestive tract can be affected.

As with Crohn's disease, the inflammation in ulcerative colitis usually progresses in episodes - sometimes the symptoms are severe and sometimes less pronounced. Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are most frequently affected by the disease. The following symptoms are typical:

• Frequent, bloody and slimy diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain (often in the left lower abdomen)
• Constant urge to defecate
• Fever and physical weakness

Complaints such as skin changes, joint pain or eye inflammation can also indicate ulcerative colitis.

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Our aim is to offer patients the best possible, individualised care. We therefore place great value on close cooperation with a broad network of specialists from various specialist areas, hospitals and organisations:

• University Hospital Heidelberg/Mannheim
• University Medical Centre Freiburg
• Klinikum Mittelbaden
• Karlsruhe Municipal Hospital
• German Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis Association (DCCV)
• European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO)
• Mannheim Rectal Centre (EDZ)

We are always there for you: thanks to our x.patient practice app you can contact us at any time and from anywhere, for example to request a follow-up prescription or ask questions about your lab results. You can find more information about our digital services here.

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