Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The aim of care is not only to settle symptoms, but to control inflammation, prevent complications and support long-term quality of life.
Understanding IBD
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis affects the large bowel. Both are chronic inflammatory conditions that may alternate between periods of good health and disease flares.
Symptoms that may need assessment
Persistent diarrhoea, blood or mucus in the stool, urgency, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia or recurrent episodes of bowel symptoms may warrant investigation. IBD can also have effects outside the bowel, including the joints, skin and eyes.
How we investigate IBD
Assessment is tailored to the individual and may include blood tests, stool inflammatory markers, colonoscopy with biopsies and selected small-bowel imaging. The same tools can also be used later to assess disease activity and healing.
Treatment and long-term monitoring
Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of disease. Options range from conventional anti-inflammatory and immune-modifying treatment to biologic and other targeted therapies. Follow-up includes monitoring response, medication safety, nutrition and appropriate endoscopic surveillance.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis
A severe flare of ulcerative colitis can require urgent admission, intravenous treatment and close monitoring. Gastroenterology and surgical teams may need to work together early if the disease does not respond adequately.
Dr John’s approach to IBD care
IBD is often a long-term relationship between patient and gastroenterologist. The approach is to listen carefully to how the disease is affecting everyday life, explain the available options clearly, and make treatment decisions together while aiming for good disease control.
Need a gastroenterology assessment?
If you would like to arrange a consultation, you can request an appointment with the practice.
Request an appointment