EMEA/Our innovation /Focus areas/Immunology /Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

When it comes to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you, and the millions of other sufferers around the world, by tackling the chronic inflammation that makes inflammatory bowel disease so stressful to live with.
Our focus in Gastroenterology: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including your genes, an abnormal reaction of your immune system to certain bacteria in your gut, and triggers to do with diet or stress.[1], [2], [3]
IBD is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a non-inflammatory condition.[1] We’re focused on the two main types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
JJ_Photo_Portrait of woman on beach_STOCK_WST1048338w5024h3350_4Star.jpg
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition affecting any region of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s characterised by the body’s immune system mistaking food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine for foreign substances.[2], [4]
ibd.jpg
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the rectum and large intestine (the colon). Ulcers develop on the lining of the large intestine and these may bleed and produce mucus.[5]
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Play video
Play video
JJMTIM_Photo_Hiking_01_5564.jpg
My IBD Journey campaign
Looking for support, information and practical tips on living with inflammatory bowel disease? Have a look at our series of animations about the reality of living with IBD.

We worked with the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Association ( EFCCA) on a series of animations about living with IBD, and the impact of the condition. The series is based on typical experiences of people with either Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.
My IBD journey

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What is inflammatory bowel disease? Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/what-is-IBD.html. Accessed November 2020.
[2] Crohn’s & Colitis UK. What is Ulcerative Colitis? Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/living-with-crohns-or-colitis?parent=23174&page=1&tags=&category=23174&sort=newest. Accessed November 2020.
[3] Qingdong G. A Comprehensive Review and Update on the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Immunol Res. 2019; 2019:7247238
[4] Torres J, et al. Crohn’s disease. Lancet. 2017 Apr 29;389(10080):1741-1755.
[5] Ungaro R, et al. Ulcerative colitis. Lancet. 2017 Apr 29;389(10080):1756-1770
[6] Ng SC, et al. Worldwide incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in the 21st century: a systematic review of population-based studies. Lancet. 2018;390(10114):2769-2778.
[7] Hommes D, et al. Changing Crohn’s disease management: need for new goals and indices to prevent disability and improve quality of life. J Crohns Colitis. 2012;6 Suppl 2:S224-S234.

CP-459038
September 2024