This week, from 1–7 December, marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, an annual campaign to bring these life-altering conditions into the spotlight.

Over half a million people in the UK are living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, two chronic conditions collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Often called “invisible diseases” because their symptoms aren’t immediately apparent to others, their impact is far from hidden for those affected. From constant pain and fatigue to emotional strain, Crohn’s and colitis can upend daily life in profound and often isolating ways.

What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While their symptoms overlap, they are distinct conditions.

  • Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It’s characterised by patchy inflammation that penetrates deep into the layers of the bowel wall. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea (often with blood), fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
  • Ulcerative colitis, however, affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Inflammation and ulcers develop in the lining of the colon, leading to symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, urgency to go to the toilet, abdominal discomfort, and rectal bleeding.

Are these different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

While both Crohn’s and colitis are long-term and incurable, their symptoms can often be managed through medication, diet, and, in some cases, surgery. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder of the digestive system, meaning there is no visible inflammation or structural damage. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation, but these are related to gut motility and sensitivity rather than an inflammatory response.

IBD is diagnosed through tests like colonoscopy, blood markers, or imaging studies and often requires anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies. Whereas IBS is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and treated through dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes medications targeting the gut-brain axis.

What is it like to live with IBD?

Angie Harmon

Living with Crohn’s or colitis is more than managing physical symptoms. For many, it involves dealing with a host of challenges, including emotional distress, social stigma, and the difficulty of explaining an invisible illness.

Angie Harmon, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, at age 47, shares just how much it impacts daily life: “There’s no way to sugar-coat it,” she tells ITN Business, “Crohn’s changes your life. I relate things that have happened in my life as ‘life before Crohn’s’ and ‘life after Crohn’s’. Those two realities couldn’t be more different. Dealing with the chronic fatigue that comes with IBD is really difficult too, it can make even doing the simplest tasks feel herculean. You never know when you might have a flare, so I feel like I’m always waiting ‘for the other shoe to drop’. Cancelling plans last minute is just my reality.”

For individuals with IBD, ‘flaring’ – periods when symptoms become significantly worse – can feel like a rollercoaster. These episodes are often triggered by stress, certain foods, or other environmental factors, leaving patients constantly vigilant.

Causes and treatment options

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors are involved. While IBD can develop at any age, it’s most commonly diagnosed in young adults, often in their late teens or early twenties.

Treatment for IBD typically aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and prevent complications. The main approaches include:

  • Medication, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and biologics that target specific pathways involved in inflammation.
  • Dietary adjustments, which can help manage symptoms. This may involve working with a dietitian to identify trigger foods and ensure balanced nutrition.
  • Surgery, which is sometimes necessary to remove damaged portions of the bowel or treat complications like strictures or fistulas.

As Angie notes, the path to effective treatment is often a long and winding one. “It took years of trial and error to find a treatment plan that worked for me. You have to be your own advocate and work with your medical team to find what’s right for your body. There is ‘no one size fits all’ when it comes to getting your IBD symptoms to a manageable state. I encourage others to manage stress as best they can, as stress does seem to make symptoms worse.”

Tackling the stigma of IBD

One of the lesser-discussed aspects of living with Crohn’s or colitis is the stigma that can come with it. Many people with IBD feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This reluctance to open up often leads to feelings of isolation.

“I used to avoid talking about my Crohn’s because I was embarrassed,” says Angie, 60. “But I’ve learned that sharing my story helps others feel less alone. Awareness is key – it breaks down the stigma and builds empathy.”

Raising awareness is precisely what Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is about. By educating people on what these conditions entail, the campaign hopes to create a more supportive environment for those affected.

Building resilience and looking ahead

Despite the challenges, many people with IBD find ways to adapt and thrive. Communities, both in-person and online, provide invaluable support, offering a safe space for sharing experiences, advice, and encouragement.

Advancements in medical research also provide hope for the future. New treatments, including personalised medicine approaches, continue to emerge, giving patients more options to manage their conditions effectively.

For Angie, resilience is key. “Living with Crohn’s has taught me that I’m stronger than I ever knew possible. I am grateful to have friends and family that are super supportive, but I know first-hand that living with IBD can be very isolating at times. For now, I choose to remain optimistic knowing that one day there will be a cure.”

A focus on gut health

Scientists are increasingly recognising the gut as a “second brain,” highlighting its critical role in everything from digestion to mental health.

In light of this, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new gut health podcast series on the ITN Business Hub, called ‘Listen to Your Gut‘ starting the 9th December. The series will feature insights from medical experts, patients, and advocates like Angie, delving into the latest research and offering practical advice for improving gut health.

Stay tuned for more details about the podcast, where we’ll continue the conversation on how to support gut health and raise awareness for conditions like Crohn’s and colitis.

Whether it’s through raising awareness, donating to research, or simply lending a listening ear, we can all play a part in making life a little easier for those affected.

As Angie puts it, “Every small act of understanding makes a big difference. Together, we can create a world where people living with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis feel seen, heard, and supported.”

 

For support and more information, head to the Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week website