Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two major types of IBD.3

These two diseases differ in their primary symptoms and location within the GI tract. In ulcerative colitis, the site of inflammation is confined to the inner layer of the colon and rectum, while in Crohn's disease the inflammation can occur anywhere in the GI tract and involves all layers of the gut wall.1,2

Common symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, frequent bowel movements, diarrhoea, weight loss and feeling fatigued. Rectal bleeding is more common in ulcerative colitis, while abdominal pain is more common in Crohn's disease.4,5

Long-term complications from IBD can include repeated surgeries and hospitalisations, as well as an increased risk of colorectal cancer.6

Patients feel weak and worn-out during flare-ups and many find it difficult to manage daily life in school, at home and at work because of their symptoms. IBD can also prevent patients from making or keeping friends and intimate relationships as the highly unpredictable nature of IBD affects patients’ ability to make plans and attend events.

The age range in which IBD is most commonly diagnosed.

IBD and affects both men and women.

IBD is a global disease, although the highest reported prevalence is in Europe and North America.7,8 Increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD have been reported in southern and central Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.7

The number of people estimated to be living with IBD worldwide. This number is steadily increasing year-on-year.9

What causes IBD is not fully understood. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role, but specific triggering events are yet to be identified.

In patients with IBD, the immune system mounts an inappropriate response in the GI tract, resulting in an increased number of white blood cells and prolonged inflammation.10

The cells that are meant to protect the GI tract from pathogens end up causing damage to the gut wall through excessive and continuous inflammation.

Corticosteroids, immune-suppressing agents and antibiotics are all used to treat IBD and in serious cases, surgery and hospitalisation are required.11,12

The proportion of IBD patients who do not achieve a sustained remission.13 This can leave patients feeling like they have little control over their daily lives.

More is being done to understand this complex group of diseases. Every patient is different, and personalised strategies may enable us to better meet individual patients’ needs.

Through pioneering IBD research, we hope to achieve control, not only of the symptoms reported by patients, but also the underlying biology of the disease. This will help patients reach rapid and sustained remission, for the control they want to be able to live life confidently.