What is IBD? Foundation patient basics
Content note: Educational content aligned with publicly available patient materials from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and other major IBD education sources. Content is used under license from the Foundation for patient education; the Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue products or services. Last reviewed August 2026. Not individual medical advice.
Educational use only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.
Selected Crohn's & Colitis Foundation educational content and Marks are used on IBDPal under license. This page summarizes how to use Foundation patient education and links to the original Foundation sources. The Foundation does not endorse IBDPal or MediVue. Education only, not medical advice.
Topics: what is IBD, inflammatory bowel disease basics, Crohn's Colitis Foundation IBD, IBD patient education
IBD in plain language
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Foundation patient education explains symptoms, testing pathways, and why IBD is different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Your gastroenterologist confirms your diagnosis and disease location. Online education prepares questions; it does not replace an exam or labs.
How to use Foundation education
Start with the Foundation What is IBD page as the original source, then read Crohn's and ulcerative colitis pages for type-specific detail.
Write down terms you do not understand and bring them to your next clinic visit.
Use IBDPal to log symptoms, stools, and medications so patterns are easier to share with your care team.
Boundaries
Foundation materials are patient education. Treatment choices belong with your IBD clinician.
IBDPal does not diagnose IBD and is not a Foundation partner or endorsed product.
Practical tips
- Bookmark Foundation disease basics before your next GI visit
- Note symptom timing, blood in stool, night waking, and weight change
- Ask whether your disease is Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, or IBD-unclassified
Related resources
Common questions
Is IBD the same as IBS?
No. IBD involves inflammation that can damage the bowel. IBS is a functional syndrome without the same inflammatory damage. Foundation education covers this distinction.
Can this page diagnose me?
No. Only your clinician can diagnose IBD after history, exam, and appropriate testing.
Free tools on ibdpal.org
Track nutrition and symptoms, explore our community map, read the blog, or download the IBDPal iOS app.
Educational only. IBDPal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your gastroenterologist or IBD care team for personal decisions.