Many of us will have heard of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but how many know about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? While IBS and IBD both affect the gut and have similar symptoms, they have distinct differences.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
The term inflammatory bowel disease is mainly used to describe two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are long-term conditions that cause inflammation (swelling) of the gut, which ultimately leads to ulcers.
IBD is characterised by ‘flare-ups’ – periods when symptoms are severe – followed by long periods of mild symptoms or no symptoms at all (remission). People experience IBD differently. Some remain mostly in remission, while others experience regular flare-ups. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, frequent or uncontrollable urges to use the toilet, bloody diarrhoea, tiredness and weight loss.
There are many challenges to living with IBD that can affect a person’s daily life. When experiencing a flare-up, people may be unable to carry on with everyday activities, for example at school or work. This can have an impact on their education, employment and personal relationships, as well as their emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
There is no known cure for IBD, but managing it effectively can keep the illness under control and prevent severe symptoms from returning (relapse). Treatment is mainly medical, with medications such as anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants or antibiotics. Alternative options such as dietary adjustments and psychological therapies can also be beneficial.