A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop inflammatory bowel disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel disease. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
While scientists continue to search for the cause of inflammatory bowel disease, they have determined that certain genetic and environmental factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Exactly why these factors add to the risk is not known at this time.
Risk factors include the following:
Having a family member with inflammatory bowel disease increases your chances of getting the disease.
White people are more likely to develop both types of inflammatory bowel disease. People of Jewish heritage are at greater risk of Crohn’s disease.
Smoking adds to the risk for Crohn’s disease but seems to lower the risk of ulcerative colitis. In addition, former smokers are at greater risk than nonsmokers.
Inflammatory bowel disease seems to occur more often among people in higher socioeconomic classes and people with white-collar jobs.
Last reviewed February 2007 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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