The NHS has issued an alert for individuals experiencing four specific symptoms, warning they could indicate a condition affecting more than half a million people in the UK. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. While most IBD conditions are long-term and lack a cure, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
When to See Your GP
Ahead of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day, the NHS has urged anyone with 'persistent or worrying symptoms' to consult their GP. The key signs include:
- Diarrhoea lasting more than seven days
- Stomach pain or bloating that does not go away or keeps returning
- Blood or mucus in your stool
- Unexplained significant weight loss
If you experience severe stomach pain, non-stop bleeding, large blood clots, or vomit resembling coffee grounds, you should call 999 or visit A&E immediately.
Understanding IBD
IBD occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, causing inflammation that disrupts digestive function. The exact cause of this immune response remains unknown. It is important to distinguish IBD from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBD is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes physical damage, whereas IBS is a functional disorder without permanent physical damage.
Treatment options include steroids to manage symptoms, and in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove part of the bowel. The most common types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes inflammation in various parts of the gut, from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms often occur in flare-ups lasting days to months. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Pain in the anus
- Feeling unwell or very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Delayed growth in children
- Delayed puberty
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, stool samples, or endoscopy. While there is no cure, treatments can prolong remission periods.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the colon and rectum, leading to small ulcers that may produce pus or bleed. Symptoms include tummy pain, frequent need to pass stool, and recurring diarrhoea that may contain blood, mucus, or pus. Severity varies with inflammation levels, and the condition can significantly impact daily life.
The NHS advises seeing a GP promptly if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis without a prior diagnosis. During flare-ups, additional symptoms such as painful joints, mouth ulcers, swollen fat under the skin, red eyes, and bone problems may occur. Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms, and hospitalisation may be necessary for severe flare-ups.
