Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD is different to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), even though some of the symptoms may be similar.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The main symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can include:

diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 weeks
tummy pain
blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
bleeding from your bottom
feeling tired all the time
losing weight without trying

When and where to get medical help

See a GP if you think you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some symptoms may need immediate help.

See a GP if:

you have diarrhoea that lasts more than 7 days
you have tummy pain or bloating that does not go away or keeps coming back
you have blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
you're losing weight without trying to

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have severe tummy pain
you're bleeding non-stop from your bottom
there's a lot of blood or you see large blood clots when you poo
you're vomiting blood or poo, or your sick looks like coffee grounds or soil

Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

There are 3 main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

They affect different parts of your digestive system but the symptoms and treatment are often similar.

Types of IBD and where they affect
Type	Where it affects
Type Crohn's disease	Where it affects Can cause ulcers and inflammation anywhere in your digestive system, from your mouth to your bottom.
Type Ulcerative colitis	Where it affects Causes ulcers and inflammation in your rectum and large bowel (colon).
Type Microscopic colitis	Where it affects Causes inflammation in your large bowel (colon).

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will depend on your symptoms. If you're very unwell, you may need to be treated in hospital.

Treatments may include:

medicines to help ease your symptoms, such as steroids, and other medicines that can help keep your symptoms under control
surgery to remove part of your bowel, if your symptoms are severe

Causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

It's not clear what causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It's thought it happens when your immune system attacks your bowel, which causes it to become inflamed (swollen).

You're more likely to get IBD if one of your close relatives has it, such as one of your parents, siblings or grandparents.

Help and support for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be difficult to live with both physically and emotionally.

As well as support from your doctor and care team, there are national charities that can offer information, help and support.

You may find it helpful to get support from other people with IBD, either at a local support group or online.

You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without needing a referral from a GP.

Crohn's and Colitis UK

Crohn's and Colitis UK provides help and support for people living with IBD.

Guts UK

Guts UK has information and support for people affected by IBD.

Last Reviewed
15 September 2026