Modern clinical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are idiopathic conditions that represent an overlapping clinical spectrum that is commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Among the etiopathogenic hypotheses that have been suggested, infectious, genetic, and immunologic factors have received the most attention in the modern era--sometimes in combination. This article discusses current concepts regarding the etiology, demographics, and general clinical characteristics of IBD. The latter discussion covers signs/symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, and endoscopic findings.