You're Not Alone

Whether you’re wondering what’s up with your gut or have already been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, we can guide you toward options to help you feel better and find support. We're here for you.

Undiagnosed

Experiencing gut symptoms? Don’t know where to start? We’ll help you sort it out.

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Diagnosed

Living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis? We’re here to help you understand treatment options, find the best doctors, and get support.

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How to navigate:

Every person’s experience is unique. Follow the path above or click on any section to explore that topic.

IBD HELP Center

What’s going on?

You may be experiencing diarrhea, stomach pain, or extreme fatigue. It’s important to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by a condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Check Your Symptoms What is IBD?

IBD 101

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are chronic inflammatory conditions that impact the digestive tract. The main difference? People with colitis have inflammation that is typically limited to the large intestine, while people with Crohn’s can have inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract.

Learn about IBD

Get extra help

If you haven’t talked with a doctor yet—or if you were told “it’s just stress” but you’re not convinced—a gastroenterologist who specializes in IBD can help.

Find an IBD Expert

Is it really IBD?

Symptoms alone won’t tell you if you have IBD. To get the right diagnosis (and treatment), you’ll need to see a gastroenterologist. You may also need a variety of tests, including blood tests, a colonoscopy, and/or imaging tests (like X-rays). If you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or IBD, visit the “diagnosed” section of this site for more guidance.

How Crohn’s is Diagnosed How Colitis is Diagnosed

What about kids
and teens?

Kids and teens get stomach aches, and most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. But if the pain is severe or persistent, consult your child’s pediatrician or a gastroenterologist. While any number of problems—including a food allergy or stomach virus—could be to blame, symptoms like frequent diarrhea, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss or fevers suggest that it might be IBD.

When Tummy Pain is Serious

Let’s keep in touch!

Join us! Sign up to read the latest on our IBDVisible blog, stay informed on the latest research and treatments, and get updates from your local chapter. We’ll also send you our Foundation Research Update publication when you sign up.

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How to navigate:

Every person’s experience is unique. Follow the path above or click on any section to explore that topic.

IBD HELP Center

Anxious about what
an IBD diagnosis means?

It’s natural to wonder what a future with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis—also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—might look like. We have the facts, resources, support groups, and online communities to help you on your journey.

Crohn’s Disease Basics Ulcerative Colitis Basics

How is IBD treated?

Every IBD patient is unique—which means there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Most people who are newly diagnosed start with medication. You might need to try more than one medication before finding the one that’s right for you.

Treatments for Crohn's Treatments for Colitis

How are you feeling?

We hope you’re doing great! But flares are also common, so if you don’t feel your best, talk with your doctor soon. Making changes to your treatment regimen may help.

Making Treatment Decisions Crohn's Symptoms Colitis Symptoms

Second opinions
change lives

If your Crohn’s or colitis is being treated by an internist or family care doctor, you may benefit from adding a gastroenterologist to your team. Don’t see eye to eye with your gastroenterologist? A second opinion is always a good idea, especially if you have concerns about your treatment or are considering surgery.

Find an IBD Expert

Don’t go it alone

Living with IBD can be overwhelming, scary, and even embarrassing at times. Getting the right emotional support can make all the difference, as can connecting with others who are in the same boat.

Find Support Connect with Others Read Patient Stories

Diet, nutrition, and
complementary therapies

Taking your medication as prescribed is just one part of feeling your best. What you eat matters too, though there’s no single "Crohn’s or colitis diet" that works for everyone. Complementary therapies, such as mind/body techniques and dietary supplements, might also be worthy add-ons to your regimen.

Learn about Food & IBD Explore Complementary Medicine

Finding the right
treatment can take time

If you’re still experiencing symptoms despite following the treatment plan developed with your doctor, or if your current treatment has stopped working, talk to your doctor. Many different medications and other therapies are available for you to consider. You may also want to consider the benefits of joining a clinical trial.

Partner with Your Doctor Learn about Clinical Trials

Considering
surgery?

Living with a chronic illness may mean exploring different treatments. Surgery can be scary, but sometimes it’s the best way to alleviate IBD symptoms and greatly improve your quality of life.

Surgery for Crohn's Surgery for Colitis

Resources for parents
and caregivers

If you’re the parent or caregiver of a child who was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, start by learning the basics so you know what you can expect and can advocate for the best treatment for your child. You can also learn about the many resources we offer to ease the social and emotional struggles that often come with being a kid with IBD.

Understanding Pediatric IBD In-Depth Guide for Parents and Caregivers Supporting Your Child

Let’s keep in touch!

Join us! Sign up to read the latest on our IBDVisible blog, stay informed on the latest research and treatments, and get updates from your local chapter. We’ll also send you our Foundation Research Update publication when you sign up.

Sign Up Now