Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Long-term condition causing severe tummy pain and diarrhoea
Main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Different from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Treatments available to help manage symptoms

Overview

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of long-term conditions that cause inflammation in your digestive tract, leading to symptoms like severe tummy pain and diarrhoea. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It's important to know that IBD is distinct from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), even though some symptoms can be similar. The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, but it occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your bowel, leading to chronic inflammation. While the precise triggers are unclear, genetic factors play a role, as IBD can run in families. Treatment for IBD focuses on managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. This may involve various medications to control the disease, and in severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove affected parts of the bowel.

Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhoea lasting over 4 weeks
Tummy pain
Blood or mucus in poo
Bleeding from your bottom
Feeling tired all the time
Losing weight without trying

Things That Increase the Risk

Family history of IBD
Genetic predisposition
Immune system dysfunction (attacks bowel)
Unidentified environmental triggers

Diagnosis

Symptom evaluation by a doctor
Physical examination
Blood tests for inflammation markers
Stool analysis

Treatment & Management

Medicines to ease symptoms (e.g., steroids)
Medicines to keep symptoms under control long-term
Surgery to remove part of the bowel (for severe cases)
Hospital treatment for very unwell patients

Prevention

Early detection of symptoms
Consistent medical monitoring
Adherence to prescribed treatments
Managing disease flare-ups

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: