IBD: More than a gut feeling

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QUICK LINKS
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Learn about ulcerative colitis
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Learn about Crohn's disease
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Finding and treating IBD early can help prevent serious complications and reduce the chance of needing surgery.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of illnesses that cause swelling and pain in the intestines. These problems last a long time and can come and go.
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KNOW THE TYPES

Understanding IBD: Your body under constant pressure

IBD happens when your body’s defense system gets confused and attacks healthy cells in your
gut. This causes swelling and damage that doesn’t go away. The kind of IBD you have depends on where and how bad the swelling is.
Learn about the differences:
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Select a type:
Ulcerative colitis
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Crohn's disease
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Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that causes the inner lining of the colon to weaken.
Learn more
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Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a type of IBD that affects any area of the digestive tract between the mouth and the anus.
Learn more
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IBD SYMPTOMS

Clues your body might be giving you

IBD symptoms aren’t the same for everyone. Sometimes you may feel sick (called a flare-up), and other times you may feel fine (called remission). Symptoms can be mild or strong. Common symptoms include:
  • Bowel urgency - a sudden and immediate need to go
  • Fatigue - tiredness, lack of energy, or exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest
  • Diarrhea or changes in bowel movements
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
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Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

If you don't have a doctor, you can search the Empower Health database to find a healthcare professional.
Find a healthcare professional
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IMPACTS OF IBD

The many ways IBD affects the body

The gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract is a group of organs that help your body digest food. It starts at your mouth and ends at your anus. Problems can happen both inside and outside the GI tract.

Possible complications inside the GI tract

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  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
  • Fistula (when a connection forms between two organs)
  • Strictures (the narrowing or obstruction of the bowel)
  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
  • Fistula (when a connection forms between two organs)
  • Strictures (the narrowing or obstruction of the bowel)
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Possible complications outside the GI tract

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  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children
  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children

Mental health impact

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IBD can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling that way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
IBD can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling that way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
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DIAGNOSING IBD

Diagnosing IBD starts with a visit to the doctor

If you notice symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor. They can help find out if you have IBD and connect you with a specialist called a gastroenterologist—a doctor who treats problems in the digestive system. Most people are diagnosed before age 30.
STEP 1
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Talk with your doctor

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Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, any medicines you take, your family’s health history, and your daily routine—like what you eat, how active you are, and how stressed you feel. They’ll also do a physical exam.
STEP 2
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Lab tests

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To learn more, your doctor may order blood or stool tests.

  • Blood tests check for swelling, infection, or low iron.
  • Stool tests look for blood, mucus, or other signs of digestive problems.
STEP 3
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Imaging and scoping

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Depending on what your doctor finds, they may suggest:

  • A CT or MRI scan to look for swelling or other issues inside your body.
  • An endoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look inside your digestive tract.
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MANAGING IBD

Living well with IBD

Many people with IBD live active, healthy lives. The key is finding a care plan that works for you—and sticking with it.

  • Work with your doctor: Regular check-ins help your care team adjust treatment and manage symptoms.
  • Find the right treatment: Your doctor can help choose the best treatment to control your IBD.
  • Eat smart: Track what you eat and avoid foods that make symptoms worse.
  • Take care of your mental health: Living with IBD can be hard, so it’s important to find support and take care of your emotional well-being.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Explore these patient advocacy groups to learn more.

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Crohn's and Colitis Canada
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The GI Society
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The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
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