1. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two major types: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 2. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and often extends deep into tissues. Ulcerative colitis only involves the colon and rectum in the innermost lining. 3. The causes of IBD are unknown but involve genetic, immune, environmental, and bacterial factors. Both conditions involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.