Starting a biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can feel unfamiliar, especially if you have not had intravenous (IV) treatment or self-injected medication before. Knowing what happens during the appointment, how your body may respond, and what to watch for afterwards can reduce uncertainty and help you feel more prepared. What Are Biologic Therapies? […]
Is There a Cure for IBD? What ‘Remission’ Actually Means for Crohn’s and UC
When you’re first diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one of the first questions is whether it can be cured. The short answer is no – there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the goal of modern treatment is to achieve remission, a state in which inflammation is controlled […]
J-Pouch Surgery for UC: A Complete Patient Guide
For some people with ulcerative colitis, medication alone cannot control symptoms or prevent complications. When the colon becomes severely damaged or medical treatment fails, surgery may be recommended. J-pouch surgery, formally known as ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), is the most common surgical option for ulcerative colitis patients who need their colon removed. This procedure creates […]
Common IBD Flare Triggers and How to Identify Yours
If you live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you have probably experienced the frustration of a flare that seemed to appear without warning. Understanding what might provoke increased symptoms, and learning how to track your own patterns, can help you make more informed decisions and communicate more effectively with your clinical team. What is […]
Can Diet Alone Treat IBD? Separating Hope From Hype
When you live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is natural to look for ways to reduce symptoms and inflammation without adding more medication. Diet-focused communities and social media are full of stories about people who claim to have “cured” their Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis through food alone. But can diet truly replace medical […]
Probiotics and IBD: What the Research Says About Whether They Actually Work
Probiotic supplements are among the most commonly purchased products by people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet the evidence supporting their use remains complex and often misunderstood. Understanding what the research actually shows can help patients make informed decisions about whether probiotics deserve a place in their management plan. What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are live […]
Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) for IBD: Promising Research or Overhyped?
Faecal microbiota transplants have attracted considerable attention as a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, driven by their dramatic success in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Many patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis wonder whether FMT could offer relief from their symptoms or reduce inflammation. The reality is more complex: whilst early research shows promise […]
Parenting a Child With IBD: A Guide for Families
When your child is diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whether Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the entire family begins navigating a new reality combining medical complexity with everyday childhood challenges. Understanding how IBD affects your child’s body, what triggers flare-ups, and how to support their physical and emotional wellbeing helps build a stable foundation […]
Inflammation, Not Fistula Presence, Drives Quality of Life in Crohn’s Disease
Active inflammation, rather than the presence of a fistula in itself, is the main driver of reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Crohn’s disease (CD), according to a study of 209 patients published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences. The research examined how disease phenotype, treatment approach and clinical disease activity each relate to patient […]
Dating and Intimacy With Crohn’s or UC: Honest Conversations Nobody Has
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects more than just your digestive system. It touches every part of life, including relationships, physical intimacy, and how you see yourself. These conversations rarely happen in clinic appointments, yet they matter deeply to people navigating Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) whilst also wanting connection, romance, and physical […]