Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Need to know

• Symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease icon plus

  Symptoms of IBD include:

  • recurring diarrhoea
  • loss of appetite and weight loss
  • stomach pain and/or cramps
  • fatigue and extreme tiredness
  • mouth ulcers
  • anaemia (loss of red blood cells)
  • joint pain

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose IBD include: - Blood and stool tests to assess inflammation and anaemia - An endoscopy to check the inside of your digestive system. Your consultant does this with an endoscope (a long thin tube with a camera), carefully moved through your throat or anus - A range of X-rays to review the abdominal area - Ultrasound scans to check for gall and kidney stones - MRI scans to check soft tissue areas. This is particularly helpful in identifying abscesses and fistulas (abnormal channels linking different bowel parts)

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you. Treatment options might include: - Special medicines to reduce the activity of the immune system - If medicines do not work, surgery may be required to remove or repair bowel damage