Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Overview

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a lifelong condition in which the immune system attacks the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; both follow a relapsing–remitting course with periods of painful flare-ups.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you can access fast diagnosis, consultant-led medical therapy and ongoing nutritional and psychological support in one calm, private setting—without NHS waiting lists.

Why Early Control Matters — Future Health Risks

• Bowel Obstruction or Fistula: uncontrolled Crohn’s can thicken the bowel wall or create abnormal tunnels to other organs.
• Colorectal Cancer: long-standing inflammation increases cancer risk; regular surveillance colonoscopy is essential.
• Severe Bleeding: ulcerative colitis may cause sudden rectal bleeding that requires urgent care.
• Malnutrition and Bone Loss: poor absorption of vitamins, minerals and calcium can lead to anaemia and osteoporosis.
• Growth Delay in Teenagers: persistent flares can stunt height and puberty.
• Mental-Health Strain: chronic pain, urgency and unpredictability raise anxiety and depression rates.

Controlling inflammation early greatly reduces these complications.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Persistent or cramping abdominal pain
• Frequent, loose or bloody stools
• Urgent need to open bowels, sometimes at night
• Bloating, weight loss or loss of appetite
• Tiredness, paleness or dizziness from anaemia
• Mouth ulcers, joint pains or red, painful eyes during flares

Many people experience periods of remission between flare-ups.

Common Causes And Risk Factors

• Genetics: close relatives with IBD raise your risk.
• Immune Response: the gut’s defence system over-reacts to normal bacteria.
• Environmental Triggers: smoking (Crohn’s), high antibiotic use, urban living and low-fibre Western diets.
• Age: most diagnoses occur between 15 and 35, but any age is possible.
• Ethnicity: higher prevalence in people of Northern European or South Asian heritage.

When To Seek Medical Advice

Arrange an appointment if you have:

• Blood in your stool for more than a few days
• Severe abdominal pain with fever or vomiting
• Rapid weight loss or persistent fatigue
• Unexplained night-time diarrhoea
• A family history of IBD and new digestive symptoms

Swift assessment allows prompt treatment and prevents emergency surgery.

How We Diagnose And Monitor IBD

1. Specialist Gastroenterology Consultation – comprehensive symptom review, family history and physical examination in our Gastroenterology Department.
2. Laboratory Markers – full blood count, inflammatory markers and faecal calprotectin through our Blood-Testing Service, with most results back within 24 hours.
3. Colonoscopy With Ileoscopy And Biopsy – high-definition endoscopy in our on-site Endoscopy Suite to confirm diagnosis and grade inflammation.
4. CT Enterography – detailed imaging in our CT Suite to map Crohn’s involvement beyond reach of the scope.
5. Multidisciplinary Review – gastroenterologists, dietitians, radiologists and physiotherapists meet weekly to fine-tune your personalised plan.
6. Structured Surveillance – scheduled scopes and imaging monitor healing and check for early cancer signs.

Treatment And Continuing Support

• Lifestyle And Nutrition: smoking cessation, stress-management techniques and bespoke meal plans with our Dietetic Team.
• First-Line Medication: aminosalicylates, short steroid courses and immunomodulators such as azathioprine.
• Biologic And Targeted Synthetic Drugs: anti-TNF, anti-integrin, IL-12/23 and JAK inhibitors administered via day-case infusion or self-injection.
• Antibiotics And B-Vitamin Supplements: used for specific complications or after small-bowel surgery.
• Bowel-Preserving Surgery: minimally invasive resection or stricturoplasty is organised promptly if medical therapy fails; postoperative care returns to our wards for recovery and rehabilitation.
• Flare-Up Hotline: direct access to our IBD nurses for rapid advice and same-day triage.
• Psychological Support: coping-strategy sessions and mindfulness groups ease the mental load of chronic illness.
• Physiotherapy And Pelvic-Floor Training: targeted exercises reduce urgency and improve core stability.

Regular clinic reviews adjust treatment to maintain remission and protect quality of life.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Fast Diagnostics: colonoscopy slots usually available within one week.
• Integrated Care: gastroenterology, radiology, infusion therapy and rehabilitation under one roof.
• Consultant-Delivered Clinics: every visit led by senior specialists.
• Modern Comfort: private ensuite rooms, free on-site parking and easy links from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London.
• Evidence-Based Therapies: access to the newest biologics and monitoring protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There A Cure For IBD?
No outright cure exists yet, but modern medicines achieve long-term remission for many patients, allowing normal work and social life.

Will I Need Surgery?
Most people control symptoms medically, but about one-third of Crohn’s and a smaller proportion of ulcerative colitis patients will benefit from bowel-preserving surgery at some point.

Can My Diet Really Help?
Yes. An individualised plan—often higher in soluble fibre and lower in processed fats—can ease symptoms and improve nutrient status. Our dietitians tailor advice to your preferences.

Take Charge Of Your Gut Health

Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to book your IBD assessment and start a personalised treatment journey.