Crohn's disease and UC: living with IBD
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Dr. Inès Bertin
Gastroenterologist
In simple terms
Diarrhea, pain, flares: understanding IBD and new biological treatments.
Two diseases, one family
Crohn's disease affects the entire digestive tract (from mouth to anus), in segments, with transmural inflammation. Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects only the colon and rectum, continuously. Evolves with relapses and remissions.
Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea (often bloody in UC), abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, fever, extra-intestinal manifestations (joints, skin, eyes).
Diagnosis
Colonoscopy with biopsies, intestinal MRI (Crohn's), fecal calprotectin (inflammation marker), biological assessment.
Treatments
- 5-ASA (mesalamine): mild to moderate UC
- Corticosteroids: flares, short-term
- Immunosuppressants: azathioprine, methotrexate
- Biotherapies: anti-TNF (infliximab, adalimumab), anti-integrins (vedolizumab), anti-IL-23 (ustekinumab, risankizumab)
- Surgery: necessary in some cases (strictures, fistulas, medical failure)
Daily living
Absolute smoking cessation (Crohn's), nutritional monitoring, psychological support, up-to-date vaccinations before biotherapies.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Inflammation
- The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Vaccine
- A safe training session for your immune system, so it can fight a germ later.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Crohn's disease and UC: living with IBD?
- Diarrhea, pain, flares: understanding IBD and new biological treatments.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Crohn's disease and UC: living with IBD?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Crohn's disease and UC: living with IBD?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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