Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a broad term that describes conditions with chronic or recurring immune response and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. Inflammation affects the entire digestive tract in Crohn’s disease (anywhere from mouth to rectum) and only the large intestine in ulcerative colitis (only in the colon). Both illnesses are characterized by an abnormal response to the body’s immune system

You should know:

Not only will the drugs used to treat IBD cause a long list of side effects but the disease itself may often cause other issues. You should be aware of these and try to be more patient with the person with IBD, whether that is you, or someone else. These symptoms can occur at any time, whether the disease is flaring or not. Some of these are common and some are rare, you just need to watch out for them and be aware of them.

Fatigue

Mood alterations

Headaches

Joint pain

Skin problems – dryness, rashes, acne

Weight loss

Vomiting

Anaemia

Generally feeling unwell – Feverish

Mouth ulcers