Burden of inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can arise at any age, with increasing incidence in the pediatric population.1,2 Over time, IBD has emerged as a global healthcare problem with a worldwide prevalence of 0.3%.3 Females are reported to be more commonly affected than males.4 The prevalence and incidence is increasing among the Hispanics and Asians.5 High incidence of pediatric IBD has already been reported in western countries.6 Earlier, the disease was reported to have a low incidence in Asia; however, a rising trend in both incidence and prevalence has been noted over the past decade. Among the Asian countries, India is projected to have the highest disease burden of IBD.7,8 About 25% of IBDs have their onset in childhood or adolescence.1 It has been estimated that IBD affects about 5 to 11 per 100000 children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.9 Due to such high prevalence, pediatricians commonly come across children with IBD in their clinical practice.