Causes and Risk Factors
The cause for inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. IBD may be caused by an immune system response that is related to a combination of genetic (hereditary), environmental, and infectious (e.g., viral, bacterial) risk factors.
In patients who have IBD, a genetic abnormality may cause the immune system to overreact to bacteria, a virus, or an environmental factor, resulting in chronic inflammation in the GI tract.
Environmental risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease may include the following:
- Diet
- High stress levels
- Lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle)
- Smoking
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 29 Feb 2008
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 22 Feb 2008
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