What is IBD?

🩺 What is IBD?

IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease. It is a condition that causes inflammation, or swelling, inside parts of your digestive system. Your digestive system is the part of your body that helps you digest food and get the nutrients and energy you need.

There are two main types of IBD:

🥐 Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive system, from your mouth all the way down to your bottom.

🔴 Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large bowel, which is also called the colon and rectum.

🤔 So, why does IBD happen?

Doctors don't know exactly why some people develop IBD. We do know that it isn't because you did something wrong.

You didn't cause your IBD.

IBD isn't contagious either, so you can't catch it from someone else. It isn't your fault.

🤕 What does IBD feel like?

IBD can feel different for everyone. Some people might have:

• tummy pain or cramps

• diarrhoea

• needing to poo more often

• feeling very tired

• blood or mucus in their poo

• not feeling hungry

• losing weight or not growing as expected

You might have some of these symptoms, all of them, or none of them. And sometimes you can look completely fine on the outside while your body is dealing with inflammation on the inside.

🔥 What is a flare?

Sometimes the inflammation becomes more active. This is called a flare.

During a flare, your symptoms might become worse or new symptoms might appear. Flares can be different for everyone. Some people have mild symptoms, while others can feel quite unwell.

The good news is that there are treatments that can help control the inflammation and help you feel better.

💊 Can IBD be treated?

Yes.

There isn't currently a cure for IBD, but there are lots of treatments that can help control inflammation. Your IBD team will work with you and your family to find the treatment that is right for you.

The goal is to help you feel well, keep the inflammation under control and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

🔄 Will I always have IBD?

IBD is a long-term condition, which means you'll need to look after it over time.

But having IBD doesn't mean you'll always feel sick.

Many people with IBD have periods when they feel well and have few or no symptoms. This is called remission.

Your treatment and regular check-ups can help your IBD team keep an eye on things and help you stay as well as possible.

🌟 And remember...

Having IBD doesn't stop you from being you.

You can still go to school, make friends, play sport, travel, have sleepovers, learn new things and dream about your future.

Sometimes IBD might make things a little more complicated, but you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

You've got a whole team of people helping you along the way.