HEALTH MATTERS: More common than we think, inflammation of the bowel means that part of the intestine becomes swollen, irritated, and damaged.

Doctors often use the term Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These are different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause bowel symptoms but does not cause inflammation.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can include: Diarrhoea lasting several weeks. Abdominal (tummy) pain or cramping. Blood or mucus in the stool. Urgency to open the bowels. Fatigue. Unexplained weight loss. Bloating and excess wind in some people

What causes it?

The exact cause is not fully understood. In IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks the bowel, leading to inflammation. Family history can increase the risk.

What helps to resolve or control it?

Treatment depends on the cause: Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis): medicines such as steroids and other anti-inflammatory or immune-modifying treatments may be needed. Severe cases sometimes require surgery.

See your doctor

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A colonoscopy may be required. Infections: may improve with time, fluids, and occasionally specific medication prescribed by a doctor.

Dietary triggers: some people improve by avoiding foods that worsen symptoms and keeping well hydrated. Smoking cessation: particularly important in Crohn’s disease.

Stress management: while stress does not cause IBD, it can worsen symptoms in some people.

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