Dr. Elizabeth Squirell · Gastroenterologist · Kingston Health Sciences Centre
What is IBD?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis explained in plain words. What they are, what they are not, common symptoms, and what a flare is.
Key points
- IBD is a long-term illness. The two main types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- IBD is not IBS. It is not contagious. It is not caused by stress or by one food, and it is not your fault.
- Call your IBD team if you have new blood in your stool, more trips to the toilet, or belly pain that does not go away. These can be signs of a flare.
- Tell your team about sore or swollen joints, a red or painful eye, new skin sores, or yellow skin. IBD can affect more than the gut.
- Keep taking your IBD medicine when you feel well, unless your team tells you to change it.
- Make a flare plan with your team, so you know what to do and who to call.
- With good care, many people with IBD work, study, travel and raise families.
Go to emergency or call 911 if you have
- Heavy bleeding from your bottom, or you feel faint
- Severe belly pain that does not settle
- A fever with belly pain
- Vomiting, and you cannot keep fluids down