Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of diseases that affect the colon and small intestine, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They affect up to one in every 200 Australians.

IBD is a medical condition that affects the gastrointestinal system, or gut. People with this illness often have ongoing symptoms of tummy pain, diarrhoea, the passing of blood, and weight loss. They can also suffer from other conditions that affect the skin, eyes and joints. Patients need medication for long periods of time and many have bowel surgery. IBD affects both males and females, including children.

IBD is a separate condition from the more common functional bowel disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).