Could I have IBD?

Maybe you've been having tummy problems for a while and you're wondering:

“Could I have IBD?”

You might have heard of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or maybe your doctor has mentioned that they want to investigate what's causing your symptoms.

Having symptoms that can happen with IBD doesn't mean you have IBD.

Lots of different things can cause tummy and bowel problems. But when symptoms keep happening, don't go away, or are affecting your everyday life, your doctor may want to find out what's going on.

🤔 What might make a doctor investigate IBD?

There isn't one symptom that means someone has IBD.

Doctors look at the whole picture — what symptoms you're having, how long you've had them, whether they're changing and how they're affecting you.

Some symptoms that can happen with IBD include:

🤕 Tummy pain

You might have tummy aches or pain that keeps coming back.

It could feel different from one person to another. You might notice it before or after going to the toilet, or at different times during the day.

Tummy pain has lots of possible causes, so having tummy pain on its own doesn't mean you have IBD.

🚽 Diarrhoea

You might notice that your poo has become much looser or that you're going to the toilet more often than usual.

Sometimes diarrhoea lasts for a short time because of an infection or something else.

If it keeps happening or is becoming a regular problem, your doctor may want to investigate further.

🏃 Urgency

Urgency means feeling like you really need to get to the toilet quickly.

You might suddenly need to stop what you're doing and find a toilet.

You might also feel like you can't wait very long once you get the urge to go.

This can be particularly difficult at school or when you're out with friends.

🩸 Blood or mucus in your poo

You might notice blood or mucus when you go to the toilet.

Seeing blood in your poo can be scary, but try not to panic.

There are different reasons this can happen, and it doesn't automatically mean you have IBD.

It's still important to tell a parent, carer or doctor if you notice blood or mucus in your poo.

😴 Feeling really tired

Everyone gets tired sometimes.

But if you're feeling much more tired than usual, especially if it has been going on for a while, it's worth telling someone.

IBD can sometimes cause tiredness because of inflammation, not eating enough, anaemia or other effects of being unwell.

But tiredness can also have many other causes.

🍽️ Losing your appetite

You might not feel as hungry as you normally do.

You may find that you don't feel like eating meals or that you get full quickly.

If you've noticed a big change in your appetite, tell your parent, carer or doctor.

⚖️ Losing weight without trying

Sometimes children and teenagers with IBD lose weight because they're not eating enough, aren't absorbing nutrients properly or have ongoing inflammation.

Your doctor may look at your growth and weight over time, rather than just one measurement.

If you're losing weight without trying, it's important to let a doctor know.

🩺 What happens if your doctor is worried about IBD?

If your symptoms suggest that something needs investigating, your doctor may start by asking you lots of questions.

They might ask about:

• Your tummy and bowel symptoms

• How often you're going to the toilet

• How long you've had symptoms

• Your appetite

• Your energy levels

• Your weight and growth

• Whether anyone in your family has IBD or other conditions

• How your symptoms are affecting school and everyday life

They may also arrange some tests.

These could include blood tests, a poo test such as faecal calprotectin, scans or other investigations.

If your doctor thinks you need to see a specialist, you may be referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist or IBD team.

🧪 Does having these symptoms mean I have IBD?

No.

This is really important.

There are lots of reasons someone might have tummy pain, diarrhoea, tiredness or changes in their poo.

An infection, constipation, food intolerance and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

That's why doctors don't diagnose IBD based on symptoms alone.

They put together information from your symptoms, examination, growth, blood and poo tests and, when needed, other investigations.

💬 What should I do if I'm worried?

If you've noticed changes in your tummy or bowel habits that are worrying you, tell an adult you trust.

You could say:

“I've been having some tummy problems and I'm worried something isn't right.”

You don't need to know what's causing your symptoms before asking for help.

Your parent or carer can help you make an appointment with your doctor.

It can also help to keep track of what's been happening — for example, when your symptoms started and whether they're getting better, worse or staying the same.

💛 Don't be scared to talk about poo

Talking about poo, diarrhoea or needing the toilet urgently can feel embarrassing.

But doctors and nurses talk about these things all the time.

They need to know what's happening so they can work out what might be causing your symptoms.

There are no silly or embarrassing questions.

The more honestly you can explain what's happening, the easier it is for your healthcare team to help.

🌱 If you're being investigated for IBD

Waiting for answers can be difficult.

You might feel worried, frustrated or confused.

You might also feel relieved that someone is finally taking your symptoms seriously.

Whatever you're feeling is okay.

And remember — being investigated for IBD doesn't mean you've been diagnosed with IBD.

The important thing is that you're getting help to understand what's happening with your body.

💛 Remember

You don't need to work out whether you have IBD by yourself.

If something doesn't feel right, tell someone.

Your doctor can help work out what might be causing your symptoms and whether you need any tests or further investigation.

You know your body. It's okay to speak up when something doesn't feel right. 💛