ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND CROHN'S DISEASE Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), namely Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive system. Ulcerative Colitis affects only the large intestine (colon), while Crohn’s Disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. EPIDEMIOLOGY The incidence and prevalence of IBD are significantly higher in industrialized Western countries. In the United States alone, more than one million people are estimated to be living with either Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. In Greece and Cyprus, available data suggest similar prevalence rates for Crohn’s Disease and slightly lower rates for Ulcerative Colitis compared to other Western countries. CAUSES The exact cause of both diseases remains unknown. Current evidence suggests that IBD results from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Several genes associated with susceptibility have been identified, but genetic factors alone are not sufficient to cause the disease. Environmental triggers may include viruses, bacteria, smoking, anti-inflammatory medications, food preservatives, dietary changes, stress, and abnormalities in the immune system. Psychological factors may contribute to disease flare-ups but are not considered a primary cause. SYMPTOMS Although Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease share many symptoms, they differ in......