Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Types of IBD include:
Ulcerative colitis, which causes long-lasting inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum, and Crohn’s disease, which is characterised by inflammation of the entire lining of your digestive tract, which often spreads deep into affected tissues. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including diarrhoea, fever and fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in your stool, reduced appetite and/or unintended weight loss. You are likely to have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.2 If you think you may have IBD, please seek advice from your GP immediately. IBD can be debilitating and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications.