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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program


Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition caused by inflammation in the digestive tract. There are two main types of IBD—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Each of these diseases can be disabling. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and growth failure.

Because the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, the pediatric gastroenterology experts at CHOC Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program use advanced diagnostics and the latest, evidence-based research to diagnose and create personalized treatment plans designed to help children and teens live their lives to the fullest.

About the CHOC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with irritable bowel disease, the entire family is affected. IBD may require ongoing medical management throughout the patient’s lifetime. At CHOC, we offer pediatric-specific medical treatment IBD. You will receive a complete, personalized care plan targeting your child’s individual needs. Our goal is to share the best evidence and tools for helping your child get better faster, and stay well longer.

CHOC is the only Orange County hospital that participates in the ImproveCareNow (ICN) network, whose purpose it is to transform the health and care for all children and adolescents with IBD.

Our Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program includes:

  • Board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists, many of whom work with the latest advancements in IBD research and are leaders in developing new treatment therapies
  • Care coordination and open communication with your child’s primary care provider
  • Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient management for children and teens with IBD
  • Inpatient care includes personalized transition to our outpatient program
  • Outpatient care offered in Orange, Mission Viejo, Corona, Newport Beach and Fountain Valley
  • Multidisciplinary care from more than 30 specialties, including pediatric surgery, nutrition, social services and behavioral health support
  • Infusion services
  • Registered dietitians who specialize in the unique needs of children and teens with IBD
  • Emergency office visits with IBD medical providers for established patients, often with same day or next day appointments available
  • IBD Parent Advisory Board
  • Ongoing research into the causes of IBD and development of new treatments for IBD through the CHOC Research Institute.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease involves chronic inflammation of all or part of your digestive tract. IBD primarily includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with inflammation that may be penetrate through the entire thickness of the intestine and can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine but often affects the colon. Some patients may also get sores or openings around the anus. It is a chronic condition that may come back at various times throughout a person’s lifetime. Crohn’s disease symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and growth failure. Learn more about Crohn’s.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with inflammation affecting the inner lining of the large intestine (colon), often including the rectum. It is a chronic condition that may require attention throughout a person’s lifetime. Ulcerative colitis symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea with blood and mucous in the stool. Learn more about ulcerative colitis.

A Team Approach to Hope and Healing

Treating inflammatory bowel disease in children and teens can be complex and often requires a team of caregivers. At CHOC, we understand the specialized expertise and and multidisciplinary approach needed to care for IBD. Our specialists work together as a team to treat your child and may include care from more than 30 subspecialities, as needed, including gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, nutrition, social services and behavioral health support.

We have a dietitian and psychologist who work exclusively with our gastroenterology patients. They provide our patients the dietary, emotional and psychosocial support they need to cope with their symptoms and ultimately find relief.

Physician examing toddler

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Crohn's disease:

  • Crohn's disease can affect any part of a child's intestinal tract
  • Symptoms include diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, tiredness, fever or weight loss
  • Can affect the entire thickness of the intestinal wall
  • Can affect different segments of the intestine, skipping some of the middle


Ulcerative Colitis:

  • Affects the colon, and occasionally the lowest part of the small intestine
  • Symptoms usually include abdominal cramps and diarrhea with bleeding
  • Involves on the innermost lining of the intestinal wall
  • Inflammation does not skip sections of the intestine


Is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the same is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

No. While the symptoms may appear to be similar, IBD and IBS are very different. IBS can cause pain but there is no inflammation of the intestine and it doesn't lead to serious disease, as with IBD.

How common is IBD?

Approximately 1.6 million Americans currently have IBD, and approximately 80,000 are children. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation reports that as many as 70,000 new cases of IBD are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Will my child always have IBD?

Currently, there is no cure for IBD, but research into better treatments and possible cures is ongoing.

Is IBD caused by stress?

No, there is no evidence that IBD is caused by stress. However, living with a chronic illness can be stressful, and stress can contribute to a flare-up. At CHOC, psychologists are available to provide specialized care for children and teens with IBD.

Does my child need to follow a special diet?

There is no one single diet or eating plan that will do the trick for everyone with IBD. Dietary recommendations must be individualized, depending on which disease you have and what part of your intestine is affected. Furthermore, these diseases are not static; they change over time, and eating patterns should reflect those changes. The key point is to come up with a plan with your medical provider, and strive for a well-balanced, healthy diet.

Should my child restrict physical activities?

If your child is feeling well enough to participate, physical activity is encouraged. In addition to the many other benefits of exercise, it can also help maintain bone density, which can be very helpful for children with IBD. Your child’s doctor will give you more specific advice about good activities for your child.

Will my child need to be hospitalized?

Typically, children can manage their IBD at home and do not require hospitalization. If symptoms become severe, a brief stay in the hospital may be needed so that we can correct malnutrition and stop diarrhea and the loss of blood, fluids and mineral salts. Your child will be treated with a special diet, feeding through a vein, medications, or, in some cases, surgery

What is a flare-up and what should I do if my child experiences one?

A flare-up is a usually a recurrence of one or more of the symptoms that originally led your child to be diagnosed with IBD, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding and cramping. Most people with IBD experience an occasional flare-up. If your child seems to be showing symptoms of a flare-up, it’s a good idea to check in with your child’s primary care doctor or gastroenterologist.

Are there any organizations dedicated to IBD?

Patient Resource: CHOC'S Guide for Your IBD Road to Wellness

Three boys playing on the ground

Information about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is very important and patient education is mainstay of CHOC. We are dedicated to helping every parent and child to fully understand his or her disease and its management. This manual is designed for CHOC IBD patients.

  Download your guide