text: <unk>  <unk>  is a chronic<unk>  disease of the gastrointestinal tract that represents 2 distinctive disorders, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both disorders are characterized by unpredictable exacerbations and remissions. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of<unk> . A dysregulated immune response to environmental factors in a genetically susceptible host results in activation of cytokines, triggering a cascade of reactions ultimately<unk>  inflammation. Common symptoms of<unk>  include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding/bloody stools, weight loss and fatigue.<unk>  can be diagnosed using a combination of endoscopy for Crohn’s disease or colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis and imaging studies, such as contrast radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography. The goal of medical therapy is to induce remission initially with medications, followed by the administration of maintenance medications to prevent a relapse of the disease. Sulfasalazine along with steroids are the main stay of treatment for<unk> .  Immunosuppressive agents such as infliximab or 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine are recommended alternatives to steroids.
option_0: Inflammatory bowel disease
option_1: Crohn's disease
option_2: Irritable bowel syndrome
option_3: Allergic colitis
option_4: Ulcerative colitis
option_5: Drug-induced colitis
option_6: Chemical colitis
option_7: Microscopic colitis