Inflammatory bowel diseases: a general approach

Abstract

Objective: Describe and address the general considerations and most important points of inflammatory bowel diseases. Bibliographic review: Inflammatory bowel diseases address a variety of conditions, but the textual focus and clinical context turn to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, due to its idiopathic and autoimmune character, and also for presenting an exuberant clinical picture, comprehensive pathophysiology, similarities between them and other inflammatory bowel disorders and in some situations are not limited to the involvement of the digestive portion and trigger extra-intestinal affections and negatively impact the health and quality of life of the patient due to symptoms arising from the baseline condition or therapy. Final considerations: Inflammatory bowel diseases have high clinical importance and even with the lack of evidence on the triggering factor and other relevant aspects, it is possible to know the clinical picture, perform the differential diagnosis and follow an appropriate therapeutic approach.