A Guide to Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
November is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These two conditions, are known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD affects many people and can have a significant impact on their daily life. Here, we’ll break down the basics of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including symptoms, causes, and treatments, and we’ll explain the differences between IBD and other digestive disorders like IBS.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD refers to chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, with the two primary types being Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
- Crohn’s Disease: This type of IBD can cause inflammation in any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, although it’s usually found in the small intestine.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis mainly affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum, resulting in continuous inflammation and sometimes ulcers along the intestinal lining.
In Ireland, approximately 40,000 people live with IBD, and it commonly develops between ages 15 and 35, though it can affect people of any age.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have periods of active symptoms, or flare-ups, some of the common symptoms are:
- Persistent diarrhoea lasting for several weeks
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Fatigue that can disrupt daily life
- Loss of appetite and sometimes weight loss
The intensity of these symptoms can vary, with Crohn’s disease often affecting deeper layers of the bowel, which can lead to more serious issues if left untreated.
Diagnosing and Treating IBD
Diagnosing IBD usually involves blood tests, stool tests, and imaging procedures like an endoscopy for Crohn’s disease or a colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis. These steps help doctors confirm IBD and determine how to manage it. While there is no cure for IBD, treatments are designed to control symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Common Treatment Options
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics to help manage inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
- Surgery: If medications are not effective, surgery may be an option. In Crohn’s disease, this could involve removing sections of inflamed bowel; in ulcerative colitis, a colectomy (removal of the colon) may be recommended.
- Lifestyle Changes: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and hydration are beneficial. Many find that low-impact activities like walking or yoga are helpful, especially during flare-ups.
Managing IBD involves more than medical treatment; support networks and mental health resources also play an important role in dealing with the physical and emotional impacts of the disease.
How is IBD Different from IBS?
IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are often confused, but they are distinct conditions:
- IBD involves chronic inflammation and potential damage to the intestines, while IBS does not cause inflammation or structural changes.
- Symptoms of IBD are often more severe and persistent. If left untreated, IBD can lead to serious complications, including an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Treatment for IBD often involves anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications, whereas IBS is generally managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications for symptom relief.
Supporting Digestive Health
While medications are central to IBD management, digestive health supplements like Symprove may offer additional support by helping to balance the gut microbiome. Symprove, is a water-based digestive health supplement containing beneficial bacteria that reach the gut without triggering digestion, supporting a healthy microbiome. Although Symprove won’t cure these symptoms of Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, it can help to reduce their severity.
Always consult a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement if you are on medication or have any underlying conditions. If you are looking for more information on Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, IBD or gut health in general, please reach out to our expert pharmacy team today.
