Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

This week marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, a time to recognise and support those who are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Though often invisible, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can significantly impact daily life, causing pain, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups.

This week encourages all of us to learn more, reduce stigma, and stand with those affected. You can show support by wearing purple, sharing information on social media, or checking in on friends and colleagues managing IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of conditions that cause ongoing inflammation in the gut, often leading to significant abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Although IBD is a long-term condition, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms.

The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • tummy pain
  • blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
  • bleeding from your bottom
  • diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 weeks
  • fatigue
  • losing weight without trying

When Should I See a GP?

You should see your GP if:

  • you have diarrhoea for 7 days or more
  • you have tummy pain or bloating that doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back
  • you have blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
  • you’ve been losing a lot of weight without trying

Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) varies depending on your symptoms. In some cases, if you become very unwell, hospital care may be needed.

Treatment may include:

  • Medicines such as steroids to relieve symptoms, along with other treatments that help keep the condition under control.
  • Surgery which may be recommended to remove part of the bowel if symptoms are particularly severe.

Help and Support

  • Crohn’s & Colitis UK – a charity offering support, information, and resources for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • IBD Registry – UK registry for IBD that brings together health data from people with IBD to help improve treatment and care and support research.

NHS Website

For further details about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/

Page Created: 5th December 2025

Page Updated: 5th December 2025