What is Crohn’s? We ask the experts

JAINA Engineer, right, is knowledge and evidence manager at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a charity providing support for those living with the disease. She explains: ‘Crohn’s and Colitis, the two forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, are lifelong diseases of the gut. Recent research reveals that 500,000 people are living with these unpredictable conditions, for which there is no known cure. When you have Crohn’s or Colitis, your immune system doesn’t work properly. Your body starts attacking itself, causing ulcers and inflammation in the gut. This can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms including severe pain, urgent diarrhoea with blood, and extreme fatigue. The conditions can affect almost every part of your body and every aspect of your life: from your digestion and joints to your energy levels and mental health. If you’ve experienced a change in your bowel habits, don’t delay seeking help – it could be a sign of Crohn’s or Colitis. People living with the conditions often face a lifetime of medication and, in many cases, major surgery. But they’re not alone – we’re here for everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.’ Treatment: ‘There is no cure for Crohn’s, but as Tom’s attitude shows, it is possible to live with it. Most people with Crohn’s will take steroids from time to time, which will help reduce the inflammation in the digestive system. Others may need immuno suppressants and if there is no improvement, biological medicines may help and could be needed for several months or even years at a time. Surgery – an operation called a resection – is also possible – but is not likely to stop the symptoms returning in the long term. There is no specific diet for Crohn’s – the NHS recommends a healthy balanced diet – like Tom, people have to find out what foods tend to trigger flare-ups and cut them from their diet.’