Exploration of the Problem
Identification of Causes
Approaches To Recovery

Paul A Goldberg, M.P.H., D.C., D.A.C.B.N.

Part 1 

Background of IBD and the Current State of
Medical Understanding and Treatment

Few appreciate the extraordinary suffering thousands of people endure from the ongoing torture of chronic inflammation of the intestines/colon. Children and adults alike suffer from these syndromes which often result in a lifetime of severe pain, life disruption and hopelessness.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the general term used to refer to inflammatory diseases of the intestines, including the major syndromes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both of which are medically considered to be of unknown cause. 

The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is based upon internal visual examination of the intestines by sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy, colonoscopy and/or barium enema and by biopsy of intestinal tissue. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include intestinal cramping and spasm, the presence of blood and/or mucus in the stool, weight loss, a sense of urgency and diarrhea. Crohn's disease is characterized by repeated bouts of fever and diarrhea accompanied by right lower quadrant pain, tenderness and the presence of perianal disease with abscess and/or fistula formation. 

Ulcerative colitis can best be described as an inflammatory, ulcerating, pathological process affecting the colon while Crohn's disease is defined as chronic inflammation of the small intestine primarily involving the distal small intestine, at times gradually moving to the colon at which point it is...