Medically reviewed by Dr Usman Naeem, 24 Oct 2026.
Key points
- Diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks, especially with blood or mucus, weight loss or night symptoms, needs tests.
- Diagnosis uses blood and stool tests (including calprotectin), colonoscopy with biopsies and imaging.
- In our region, intestinal tuberculosis can look like Crohn’s disease and must be considered before treatment.
- Treatment is individual and long term. Do not stop medicines on your own, even when you feel well.
Overview
Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the rectum and colon in a continuous pattern. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, in patches, and can involve the full thickness of the bowel wall, leading to strictures, abscesses or fistulas.
IBD usually starts between the teens and middle age. The causes are not fully understood and involve genes, the immune system, gut bacteria and environment. Smoking worsens Crohn’s disease.
Causes and risk factors
- A mix of genetic susceptibility and immune and environmental factors
- Family history increases risk
- Smoking worsens Crohn’s disease; frequent anti-inflammatory painkillers may trigger flares
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea lasting more than a few weeks, often with blood or mucus
- Abdominal pain, urgency, tiredness
- Weight loss, fever, or anaemia
- Sometimes joint pain, mouth ulcers, or skin and eye problems
When to seek urgent medical care
- Severe abdominal pain, high fever, a swollen abdomen or heavy bleeding
- Blood in the stool that persists for more than a few days
In an emergency go to the nearest emergency department or call Rescue 1122.
How it is assessed
- Blood tests (blood count, CRP, albumin), stool tests including infection screen and faecal calprotectin
- Colonoscopy with biopsies, and imaging of the small bowel (CT or MR enterography) in suspected Crohn’s disease
- Tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and other infections before immune-suppressing treatment
- Tuberculosis can mimic Crohn’s disease and must be excluded
Treatment
Treatment
- Medicines that calm inflammation: 5-ASA (mesalazine) for many people with colitis, short courses of steroids for flares, immunomodulators, and biologic or small-molecule medicines for moderate to severe disease
- Surgery is sometimes needed for complications or when medicines fail
- Nutrition support, vaccination planning, bone health and mental health are part of care
Long-term care
- Regular review and blood and stool tests
- Colonoscopy surveillance for bowel cancer starting after about 8 years of extensive colitis
- Pregnancy planning with your specialist, as most medicines should be continued
What you can do
- Do not stop treatment on your own, even when you feel well. Stopping often leads to flares
- Stop smoking, especially in Crohn’s disease
- Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers unless your doctor agrees
- Keep vaccinations up to date; tell any doctor treating you that you have IBD and which medicines you take
Common questions
Is IBD the same as IBS?
No. IBS is a disorder of gut function and does not cause visible inflammation. IBD causes inflammation and damage, and can be seen on tests and colonoscopy.
Is there a cure?
There is no cure at present, but many people reach long periods of remission with treatment and live normal lives.
Can diet cure IBD?
No diet cures IBD. Nutrition support and avoiding personal triggers can help, and some special diets are used under specialist guidance.
اردو خلاصہ
کرون ڈیزیز اور السریٹو کولائٹس آنتوں کی دیرپا سوزش کی بیماریاں ہیں جن میں مدافعتی نظام آنت کو نقصان پہنچاتا ہے۔ یہ آئی بی ایس سے مختلف ہیں۔ ہمارے علاقے میں آنتوں کی ٹی بی بھی کرون سے ملتی جلتی ہو سکتی ہے، اس لیے ڈاکٹر پہلے اسے رد کرتا ہے۔
کئی ہفتوں کا دست، خاص طور پر خون یا بلغم کے ساتھ، وزن میں کمی یا رات کی علامات ہوں تو ٹیسٹ اور کولونوسکوپی ضروری ہو سکتی ہے۔ علاج لمبے عرصے کا ہوتا ہے؛ اچھا محسوس ہونے پر بھی دوا خود سے بند نہ کریں۔
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This page gives general information prepared for Dr Usman Naeem and is not personal medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.