Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (IBD)

Overview

Crohn's can affect any part of the gut. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum.

Flares and calm periods come and go.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Diarrhea and belly pain
• Diarrhea with blood or mucus, or diarrhea for weeks

Less common

• Blood in stool
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Mouth sores

Look up a symptom: Diarrhea · Fatigue · Losing weight without trying · Stomach pain

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Colonoscopy:

Treatment

Work with a GI doctor.

Self-care

• Don't smoke (Crohn's)
• Keep a food diary
• Get recommended vaccines

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a food and symptom diary.
• Plan ahead for bathroom access when out.
• Ask about a dietitian who knows this condition.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Help center and local support groups.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young adults: Often starts at 15 to 35.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Controllable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Which medicine is right for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (IBD)