Living with Crohn’s and Colitis
Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have had Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for many years, we are here for you with information and support you can trust.
Everything you need to know about IBD starts here
If you or your loved one was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, we know this may feel overwhelming—facing a lifelong disease can be a lot to take in. We are here to help you every step of the way.
What are flares, and how do I deal with them?
Having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often means living with concerns lurking just under the surface of everyday thoughts:
- Will my condition flare up?
- What can I do when it does?
- How will I cope?
These concerns are very common for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Even with medical treatment, a person with IBD is likely to experience periods of time when symptoms become active.
When treatment protocols stop working, now what?
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be unpredictable, and the treatment that once worked well may not always continue to meet your needs. Whether your symptoms have changed, you're experiencing side effects, or your current therapy is no longer providing enough relief, switching treatments is a common part of managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Surgery isn’t always a last option
While medication is often the first treatment option, some people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis eventually require surgery. Some may choose to have surgery to improve their quality of life. For others, surgery is a life-saving necessity due to medical complications.
Helping your child with IBD to thrive
Parenting a child with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis comes with unique challenges, but having access to the right information and support can make a meaningful difference. Understanding the condition, building a strong partnership with your child's healthcare team, and knowing where to turn for help are important parts of managing life with IBD.
A caring IBD community awaits
One of the keys to maintaining a good quality of life is surrounding yourself with a supportive community. The Foundation offers a variety of support resources to help you along the way.
These resources include support groups led by trained facilitators, a summer camp program for children and teens, peer-to-peer mentoring, and connection to local chapters where you can participate in local events and meet others who understand what you are going through.
IBD at school and college
Managing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can bring unique challenges in the classroom, from unexpected symptoms and frequent bathroom trips to missed classes, exams, and concerns about fitting in with peers. Whether you're a parent supporting a child in school or a student preparing for college, understanding the resources and accommodations available can help make academic life more manageable.
Our Mission: Uniting to Care & Cure
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is driving toward cures, funding research that changes lives and championing the health of every child and adult facing IBD. Through rigorous science, real-world education for patients and healthcare professionals, and support that meets people where they are, we help turn uncertainty into hope. None of this happens alone — every program is made possible by our donors, grants, fundraising efforts, and sponsors.
IBD Help Center
Get personal answers from our knowledgeable Information Specialists. Leave us a message 24/7 and we'll call you back. Chat is available Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST.
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Support and Resources for You
Find trusted information, helpful tools, educational resources, and support for people living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. We’re here to help you feel informed, connected, and supported every step of the way.
A New World of Food
Our Gut Friendly Recipes tool helps reduce stress around meal choice and cooking. It includes over 500 dietitian approved recipes, 7-day meal plans, and much more.
You are not alone.
Search by community served, state, or chapter to connect with a support group that matches your needs, experiences, and preferences.
Crohn’s & Colitis Congress® 2027
January 21-23, 2027: Join us in New Orleans to celebrate 10 years of collaboration and progress at the definitive conference for multidisciplinary IBD professionals.
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Foundation News
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How to Recognize Signs of IBD and When to See a Doctor
Learn how to recognize common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and when to seek medical care.
Traveling with IBD: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation
For people living with IBD, some challenges may be casting a dark cloud over their vacation plans. To help alleviate these concerns, we have compiled helpful tips and resources.
Creating a Future Without Crohn's or Colitis Stigma
Camp Oasis Volunteers are helping to build an inclusive community where campers can talk openly about living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Launches "Spill Your Guts" PSA
In the new spots, participants openly discuss the challenges of living with IBD—how they may appear fine on the outside while managing serious physical symptoms and the unseen mental toll.
Helping Your Child Take Charge of Their Health
When a child is diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family.
Why Simran Takes Steps for the IBD Community
Simran Vaswani expected her first Take Steps experience to be quiet and serious. Instead, she found music, energy, and a sea of bright green T-shirts worn by people living with IBD.