Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are:

• Crohn’s disease – Can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the small intestine (ileum)

• Ulcerative colitis – Only affects the colon (large bowel) and rectum

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Other forms of IBD include:

• Indeterminate colitis – Inflammation in the large bowel that could be due to either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

• Microscopic colitis – A less common form, only diagnosed via biopsy

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What causes inflammatory bowel disease?

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but factors that may increase the risk include:

• Genetics – Having a close relative with IBD increases your risk

• Immune system dysfunction – The immune system mistakenly attacks the gut lining, leading to inflammation

• Environmental triggers – Smoking, stress, diet, and gut bacteria imbalances may contribute to IBD

 

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease

 

Common symptoms include:

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• Diarrhoea

• Rectal bleeding

• Mucus in the stools

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Unintentional weight loss

• Fatigue

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Less common symptoms include:

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• Skin rashes

• Eye irritation and inflammation

• Painful, swollen joints

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How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

To confirm an IBD diagnosis, your consultant will take a full history and carry out a clinical examination. This may include:

• Rigid sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy – To examine the rectum and lower bowel

• Blood tests – To check for inflammation markers and infection

• Stool tests – To rule out infections that could mimic IBD

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – To examine the large bowel and take biopsies

• MRI enteroclysis (small bowel MRI) – To assess the small intestine, especially in Crohn’s disease

• CT scan – Useful for detecting inflammation, strictures, or abscesses

 

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

The treatment of IBD depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include:

• Medication – To reduce inflammation and manage symptoms

• Biologic therapy – Advanced treatments targeting the immune system

• Surgery – Required in severe cases or complications