Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong condition where parts of the gut become inflamed. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Around 1 in 123 people in the UK have IBD. It often starts between the ages of 15 and 40, but can start at any age.
Symptoms
Symptoms often come and go, with flares and periods of feeling well (remission):
- diarrhoea, sometimes with blood or mucus
- urgently needing the toilet
- tummy pain and cramps
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- losing weight
- feeling generally unwell, with a high temperature
IBD can also affect the joints, eyes and skin.
Getting diagnosed
- blood tests and a poo test called faecal calprotectin, which checks for inflammation
- a colonoscopy, a camera test to look inside the bowel and take small samples
- scans, such as MRI, for Crohn's disease
Read about treatment for Crohn's and colitis.
Common questions
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis only affects the large bowel (colon and rectum). Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gut from the mouth to the bottom, and can go deeper into the bowel wall.
Can diet cause IBD?
No. The exact cause is not known, but it is thought to involve genes, the immune system and things in the environment. Diet can affect symptoms, though.
Sources we used
- NHS, Crohn's disease
- NHS, Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's and Colitis UK
- NICE guideline NG129, Crohn's disease
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.