World IBD Day 2024

Every year, on 19 May we mark World IBD Day. It’s a chance to really put Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the map and get people thinking about what life with Crohn’s or Colitis is really like.

World IBD Day 2024

Every year, on 19 May we mark World IBD Day. It’s a chance to really put Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the map and get people thinking about what life with Crohn’s or Colitis is really like.

There are more than 500,000 people in the UK living with Crohn’s or Colitis. That's 25,000 people a year who are given the life changing diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

It’s a sizeable chunk of the population, but despite this, there are often myths and misconceptions surrounding these conditions, which feed stigmas, hinder understanding, and undermine the severity of symptoms experienced by those living with Crohn's or Colitis.

This World IBD Day, we’re highlighting some of the most popular misconceptions people have about Crohn’s and Colitis and setting the record straight.


MYTH-BUSTING: Separating Fact from Fiction on Crohn's and Colitis

Take the opportunity this World IBD Day to educate yourself and help us correct the widespread misunderstanding of these conditions.

Click the myths below to uncover the true reality faced by people living with Crohn’s or Colitis.

  • MYTH: It’s not that bad, it’s just a dodgy tummy right?

    FACT: Crohn’s and Colitis involves chronic inflammation of the gut, which can lead to damage and ulcers. When your gut doesn’t work properly, the effects can be devastating. Crohn’s and Colitis can disrupt every part of your life - from digestion and joints to your energy levels and mental health.

    There can also be severe complications such as strictures (narrowing of the intestines), fistulas (abnormal connections between different parts of the intestines or between the intestines and other organs) and abscesses – all of which are incredibly painful. Often people living with Crohn’s or Colitis describe the intense pain as ‘someone tying their innards in a knot’.

    Unsure what Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis are? Or want more information on how you can confidently manage your condition to live a freer, fuller life? We can help.

    Understanding Crohn's and Colitis

    Found yourself relating to the people in the video above? If you're having gut symptoms that are impacting your day-to-day life, try our symptom checker. In less than 30 seconds it can help you decide if you should speak to your GP.

    Symptom checker
  • MYTH: You can’t have Crohn’s or Colitis – you don’t look unwell? When I saw you last, you were fine…

    FACT: Crohn’s and Colitis are invisible illnesses. They often cause symptoms that other people won’t see, such as severe pain, diarrhoea, blood in poo or extreme tiredness. Living with Crohn’s or Colitis can be hard, but this may not be noticeable to other people

    Not everyone’s symptoms are the same. Although Crohn’s and Colitis are types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, they can cause symptoms in other parts of the body. This might include joint pain, skin problems, eye issues or mouth ulcers. Nearly half of people with Crohn’s or Colitis experience these symptoms.

  • MYTH: If you ate differently, then you’d be cured!

    FACT: Crohn's and Colitis are lifelong conditions for which there is no cure. There is a range of treatments including medicines and surgery that can help you feel better. 


Zosia’s story


World IBD Day Online Toolkit

Our online toolkit has been created so you can support World IBD Day in whatever capacity suits you.

Why not share some of our social graphics to show your support and raise awareness of the conditions? Or use our poster templates to get your organisation involved in fundraising for World IBD Day.

Help us continue to support everyone affected by Crohn's and Colitis.



What else is happening across the charity this World IBD Day?


Donate to Crohn's & Colitis UK

Your support is crucial in debunking misconceptions about Crohn’s and Colitis. By donating, you enable us to provide accurate, expert health information to counter these myths to educate and empower others.

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I found the charity’s website extremely helpful. Learning about the medications I’d been prescribed and the procedures I was going to have was very reassuring to me.


David

Living with Crohn's Disease


Helpline

We know it can be difficult to live with Crohn's or Colitis, especially when you're faced with people misunderstanding what impact these conditions can have on your life. But you’re not alone. Our helpline can provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline is available 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday on 0300 222 5700 or via LiveChat on our website.

Helpline service

Helpline
Service

We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Providing details of other specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

Live chat

If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

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