Which diseases are included in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specifically refers to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily characterized by chronic inflammation. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation limited to the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can involve deeper layers of the bowel wall.

Celiac disease, mentioned in one of the choices, is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten and does not fall under the umbrella of IBD, as it has a distinct pathophysiology and clinical approach. Likewise, constipation and diverticulitis, while related to gastrointestinal health, do not represent the chronic inflammatory nature associated with IBD.

Understanding the specific pathologies involved in IBD helps clarify why ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are correctly identified as constituents of this disease category.