Final answer:
IBD is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the GI tract, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the primary types. It affects daily life and school participation due to symptoms like diarrhea, pain, and fatigue. Other related GI conditions include diverticulosis, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, and giardiasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of autoimmune conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD can significantly impact the quality of life, including the ability for students to participate fully in school-related activities. Typical symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms may lead to reduced strength and stamina, impacting activities such as sports and leading to missed school experiences due to medical appointments or hospitalizations.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum. Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pockets or bulges in the colon's lining that becomes inflamed or infected in diverticulitis. Peptic ulcers are found in the stomach lining or upper small intestine, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the GI tract caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia leading to malabsorption and gastrointestinal discomfort. Bacterial infections like salmonella, E. coli, and H. pylori can lead to GI disorders. However, in terms of IBD, ulcerative colitis does not usually affect the small intestine. A colonoscopy is typically used to examine the colon, but it can also provide limited views of the end of the small intestine, known as the terminal ileum.