IBD and Autoimmune Disease: All You Need to Know

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This article explains IBD and autoimmune disease in detail and lays out the causes of IBD, especially the environmental and genetic factors causing the illness.

Fremont, CA: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises two disorders resulting in persistent inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These disorders are known as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Researchers are unsure about the actual cause of IBD development. However, they are aware that an abnormal immune response results in heightened inflammation levels in the gastrointestinal tract. Is IBD classified as an autoimmune disease? Despite sharing similarities with autoimmune conditions, IBD presents some distinctions.

Autoimmune Disease

Your immune system protects against disease-causing germs and other potentially dangerous substances present in the surroundings. It becomes active when it encounters something within the body that it cannot identify as part of itself, known as an antigen.

Once an antigen is detected, the immune system initiates a series of actions to produce an immune response. The ultimate objective is to eliminate the potential danger before it can harm you.

More than 80 autoimmune diseases have been discovered, as stated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

IBD and the Immune System

IBD is categorized as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID). IMIDs encompass various conditions characterized by chronic inflammation resulting from an abnormal immune response.

Apart from IBD, autoimmune diseases are also considered a distinct type of IMID. Furthermore, conditions like asthma and other allergies can be classified within the realm of IMIDs as well.

An abnormal immune reaction against healthy organs and tissues within the body defines autoimmune disorders. For instance, individuals with RA often possess autoantibodies that target healthy joint tissue. On the other hand, IBD presents a distinct scenario.

IBD is commonly believed to stem from an unusual immune response triggered by environmental factors in individuals with a genetic predisposition. This results in persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and the manifestation of IBD symptoms, such as:

● Abdominal discomfort

● Frequent diarrhea, possibly accompanied by mucus or blood

● Involuntary weight loss

● Fatigue

● Mild fever

What Causes IBD?

Some of the genetics and environmental factors that cause IBD may include:

Genetics:

Your genetic composition can make you more prone to developing IBD. This implies that if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has IBD, there is a higher likelihood that you may also develop it.

Scientists have extensively studied the genes linked to IBD. Numerous genes discovered are involved in processes crucial for the onset of persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These genes are associated with:

● Regulation of the immune system

● Maintenance of the lining of the GI tract

● Oxidative stress

● Antimicrobial defenses

Environmental Factors

According to a 2019 study, the occurrence of IBD globally experienced a significant rise from 1990 to 2017. Notably, the most substantial increases were observed in high-income nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. These findings imply that specific environmental risk factors play a role in triggering or influencing IBD in individuals who have a genetic susceptibility to the condition.

Several environmental factors have been connected to an increased risk of developing IBD. These include gastrointestinal infections due to bacteria like Campylobacter or Salmonella, certain medications such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control, and diets high in fats, sugars, or meat. Additionally, smoking has been specifically associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease.