RISK FACTORS FOR IBD

Age: Most people are diagnosed with IBD before the age of 30, but IBD may develop in later ages as well

Family history: You are at higher risk if you have a close relative such as a parent or sibling with the disease

Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for developing Crohn's disease. Although smoking may provide some protection against ulcerative colitis, the overall health benefits of not smoking make it important to try to quit.

Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives increase the risk of IBD, particularly among women who smoke

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, may also trigger IBD

Urbanization: Rapid urbanization in the developing world has been associated with an increasing incidence of IBD. Environmental exposures during urbanization, including westernization of diet, increased antibiotic use, pollution, improved hygiene status and early-life microbial exposure, have been shown to affect the gut microbiota. It is possible that changes in the gut microbiome trigger immune responses that cause abnormal inflammation & IBD