Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global idiopathic disease, involving the ileum, rectum and colon. IBD begins to appear early in clinical symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, hematochezia, fever, fatigue and weight loss. The diagnosis of IBD is based on the comprehensive evaluation of relevant clinical manifestations, endoscopic examination results and histopathological characteristics of pathological tissue specimens. Biological agents, oral corticosteroids, salicylic acid and surgery are the main conventional treatments for IBD. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the pathogenesis of IBD. In clinical practice, it is considered that the complex interaction between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors and intestinal mucosal barrier leads to abnormal oxidative stress, autophagy and mucosal immune response. This paper briefly summarizes and expounds the research progress of genetic and environmental factors, intestinal mucosal barrier function, oxidative stress, autophagy dysfunction and adaptive immune response, so as to provide basis for further research and development of treatment methods and improvement of clinical treatment effect.