Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, while less common forms include collagenous or lymphocytic colitis.

Ulcerative colitis vs Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine and causes continuous, superficial inflammation.
• Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, most often in the small intestine and colon, causing patchy, deeper inflammation. Crohn’s can also lead to complications like abscesses and fistulas.

Symptoms tend to come in flare-ups, often followed by long periods of remission. Common signs include:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Altered bowel habits, often with diarrhoea or blood in stools
• Fatigue, weight loss and anaemia
• Additional symptoms in Crohn’s may include nausea, vomiting, joint pain, eye irritation and skin lesions

Severe flare-ups may require hospital admission for monitoring and intravenous medication. Chronic inflammation can also cause strictures or perforations.

If you have symptoms of IBD, our first step is to understand what’s happening in your body. Diagnosis begins with blood and stool tests to look for signs of inflammation, followed by more detailed investigations such as colonoscopy with biopsies and imaging (CT or MRI scans) to assess the extent and severity of inflammation.

While there’s currently no cure for IBD, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, reducing inflammation and maintaining remission. The right plan for you will depend on the type and severity of your disease, and we’ll work closely with you to give personalised care that supports your day-to-day life.

Medical treatments for IBD

Our specialists may recommend one or more of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs – such as aminosalicylates or corticosteroids, which can be taken as tablets, enemas, or suppositories depending on the area affected.
• Immunosuppressants – including azathioprine or mercaptopurine, which help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Biologics – such as infliximab or adalimumab, which are antibodies designed to target inflammatory components in the blood and reduce bowel inflammation.

Surgery for IBD

Surgery can be an important option for patients whose symptoms don’t respond to medications:

• Ulcerative colitis – About 1 in 5 patients may require surgery, which can be curative. This often involves removing the colon, with waste managed either via a stoma or a surgically created internal pouch.
• Crohn’s disease – Up to 75% of patients may need surgery at some point. Surgery removes affected sections of the bowel to relieve symptoms. A temporary stoma may be formed to allow healing, and the remaining bowel can usually be reconnected later. While surgery does not cure Crohn’s, it can provide significant relief and improve quality of life.