Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when the low-level inflammatory response that normally keeps bacteria in the intestinal tract in check runs out of control. This results in chronic inflammation of the bowel, which can cause diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain and weight loss. Types of IBD include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis.

UCSF's IBD program takes a team approach to treating kids with IBD, involving pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nutritionists, pathologists, pharmacists, and staff from social services and child life services. We also consult with pediatric specialists in radiology, infectious diseases, endocrinology and urology.