Environmental Triggers of IBD.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that are believed to occur in genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to environmental triggers. A number of environmental risk factors have been studied such as smoking, appendectomy, the oral contraceptive pill, diet, breastfeeding, microorganisms, antibiotics, and childhood hygiene. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the contribution of these environment risk factors to IBD. In part, the inconsistencies observed between studies are due to the methodological challenges associated with studying environmental risk factors for IBD. Consequently, additional studies are necessary to better understand the etiology of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]