Bowel and gut conditions

This section covers conditions primarily located in, or affect, the bowel and gut.

Crohn's Disease

Crohns disease is a chronic inflammation of the gut. The gut starts at your mouth and ends at your anus (bum), you may also refer to it as the digestive system. It is the system that handles the entire process of consuming food, breaking it down, absorbing the nutrients, and collecting the waste to excrete (“poo out”). Inflammation in the gut can cause symptoms that are extremely distressing, uncomfortable and debilitating. Inflammation occurs because your immune system mistakenly attacks your gut creating areas of inflammation and painful ulcers. These symptoms may include sudden diarrhoea, aches and cramps, blood in your poo, fatigue, and weight loss.

The cause of Crohns Disease is unknown and we do not have a cure, but it can be managed, treated, and go through periods of remission. A specialist will confirm your diagnosis through a range of tests that may include a colonoscopy, a biopsy, or an MRI scan. It is a complex condition and treatment may involve medical, surgical and lifestyle interventions. Crohns Disease may occur alongside ulcerative colitis. The resources in this section should offer guidance and advice for living with Crohns disease.

Crohns and Colitis UK

Circa – Better Lives for Children with Crohns and Colitis

IBD UK

Crohns Disease NHS

Endoscopy Services in Epsom and St Helier

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a condition where the large intestine and rectum, known together as the ‘colon’, become inflamed. This produces ulcers along the colon that can pus and bleed. Recurring diarrhoea, blood in your poo, stomach pains, mucus or pus in your poo, and needing to poo frequently, are all symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Symptoms will not always be severe, but when they are this is known as a ‘flare up’. During a flare up you may experience a range of bodily symptoms like painful joints, irritated eyes, patches of swollen red skin, and mouth ulcers. Severe flare-ups may require treatment in a hospital. Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system accidentally attacks healthy tissue or bacteria in the colon. You may need a specialist to confirm your diagnosis through tests like a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, X-ray, or CT scan. Lifestyle interventions like adjusting your diet and managing stress can be beneficial for people with ulcerative colitis and you may want to be aware of possible complications like osteoporosis. The resources below should have all the up to date information and advice you need.