The NHS urged people to contact their GP for any ‘persistent’ symptoms
The NHS has issued a warning urging people to look out for four key symptoms which could signal they have a condition affecting more than half a million people in the UK.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD as it is commonly known, refers to a collection of chronic conditions that trigger inflammation in the digestive tract, and is thought to affect more than half a million people across the UK. Now people are being urged to know the signs to watch for ahead of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day.
IBD conditions are typically long-lasting and while a cure remains elusive for most, various treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life. The NHS has encouraged anyone suffering from ‘persistent or worrying symptoms’ to consult their GP without delay.
Signs you should see your GP, according to the NHS:
- Diarrhoea that lasts more than seven days
- Stomach pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back
- Blood or mucus in your poo
- You’ve lost a lot of weight without trying to
Should you experience severe abdominal pain, continuous bleeding, significant blood loss or large blood clots in the toilet, or if your vomit resembles coffee grounds, you should immediately dial 999 or visit A&E.
IBD develops when the immune system erroneously targets the bowel, resulting in physical damage such as inflammation, which subsequently disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system. Doctors, however, remain uncertain as to why the immune system launches this attack.
It’s worth noting that IBD differs considerably from IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBD is a chronic autoimmune condition causing physical damage, whereas IBS is a functional disorder that does not result in permanent physical harm.
Medication such as steroids can be prescribed to manage IBD symptoms and, in more serious cases, patients may need surgery to remove a portion of their bowel. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most prevalent forms of IBD.
Crohn’s disease
This condition triggers inflammation across various sections of the gut, anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms frequently appear and disappear in ‘flare-ups’ which can persist from a few days to several months.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
- Diarrhoea
- Blood or mucus in your poo
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Pain in your anus
- Feeling unwell or very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Losing weight
- Children not growing as expected
- Delayed puberty
It is typically identified through blood tests, stool samples or a procedure whereby a tiny camera is passed through your throat or bottom to examine the inside of your gut. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, however treatments can assist in prolonging periods of remission.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis occurs when the colon and rectum become inflamed. Small ulcers can form on the colon’s lining, which may produce pus or bleed.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, frequent urges to use the toilet and recurring diarrhoea which may contain blood, mucus or pus. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the inflammation and for some people it can considerably impact their day-to-day lives.
The NHS warns: “You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you have not been diagnosed with the condition.” During a flare-up, sufferers may experience a range of symptoms beyond digestive issues, including painful joints, mouth ulcers, swollen fat beneath the skin, red eyes and bone problems. Ulcerative colitis is typically managed through medication to alleviate symptoms, though severe flare-ups may necessitate hospitalisation.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
