What should you know about ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease?

Ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the large bowel and commonly causes frequent diarrhoea, urgency and blood or mucus in the stool. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and inflammation may occur in deeper layers, with healthy sections between affected areas. Crohn's Disease can also cause mouth ulcers, tiredness, weight loss or symptoms around the anus.

Symptoms overlap with infections, irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions, so symptoms alone cannot distinguish the two. Assessment may include a history, examination, stool tests, Blood Test and sometimes imaging or endoscopy arranged by a specialist.

Keep a record of stool frequency, urgency, bleeding, pain, fever, weight change, foods and medicines. Take prescribed treatment as directed and discuss side effects before stopping it. During a flare, fluids and a tolerable diet matter, but major dietary restrictions should be planned with clinical advice.

Arrange a GP Consultation for persistent or recurring symptoms, especially when they disturb sleep, limit normal activity or come with fatigue or unplanned weight loss. A clinician can decide whether specialist review is needed.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, faintness, high fever or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt review is needed for persistent bloody diarrhoea, dehydration or a marked change from your usual symptoms.

Ask which tests can separate inflammatory bowel disease from infection, whether your symptoms suggest Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, how to manage a flare, and which warning signs require urgent review.