Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Find out about inflammatory bowel disease, including what the symptoms are, how it's treated, what causes it and where you can get support.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause severe tummy pain and diarrhoea. IBD is long term, but there are treatments that can help with the symptoms.

IBD is different to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), even though some of the symptoms may be similar.

The main symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can include:

  • diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 weeks
  • tummy pain
  • blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
  • bleeding from your bottom
  • feeling tired all the time
  • losing weight without trying

See a GP if you think you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some symptoms may need immediate help.

See a GP if:

  • you have diarrhoea that lasts more than 7 days
  • you have tummy pain or bloating that does not go away or keeps coming back
  • you have blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
  • you're losing weight without trying to

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • you have severe tummy pain
  • you're bleeding non-stop from your bottom
  • there's a lot of blood or you see large blood clots when you poo
  • you're vomiting blood or poo, or your sick looks like coffee grounds or soil
Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

There are 3 main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

They affect different parts of your digestive system but the symptoms and treatment are often similar.

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will depend on your symptoms. If you're very unwell, you may need to be treated in hospital.

Treatments may include:

  • medicines to help ease your symptoms, such as steroids, and other medicines that can help keep your symptoms under control
  • surgery to remove part of your bowel, if your symptoms are severe

It's not clear what causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It's thought it happens when your immune system attacks your bowel, which causes it to become inflamed (swollen).

You're more likely to get IBD if one of your close relatives has it, such as one of your parents, siblings or grandparents.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be difficult to live with both physically and emotionally.

As well as support from your doctor and care team, there are national charities that can offer information, help and support.

You may find it helpful to get support from other people with IBD, either at a local support group or online.

You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without needing a referral from a GP.

Crohn's and Colitis UK

Crohn's and Colitis UK provides help and support for people living with IBD.

Guts UK

Guts UK has information and support for people affected by IBD.