Living With IBD, Informed and Supported

If you or someone you care for has Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, we help you understand IBD, find trusted resources, and connect with a community that gets it.

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Living With Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis?

Trying to understand the difference between Crohn's and colitis?
Dealing with unpredictable flares that disrupt your life?
Unsure which treatments, diets or specialists can help?
Feeling embarrassed or alone with your symptoms?
Caring for someone with IBD and unsure where to start?
Understanding IBD

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

A plain-language overview for patients and care-partners: IBD is a group of immune-mediated conditions, mainly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

Questions people ask

IBD FAQ

What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and both cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, but they differ in where and how that inflammation occurs. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and often involves patches of inflammation with healthy tissue in between, reaching deep into the layers of the bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, is limited to the colon (large intestine) and rectum, and typically causes continuous inflammation affecting only the innermost lining of the bowel. Because symptoms can overlap, a gastroenterologist uses tests such as colonoscopy, imaging, and biopsies to make an accurate diagnosis.
What are common IBD symptoms and flare triggers?
Common symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain and cramping, persistent diarrhea (sometimes with blood), urgent bowel movements, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and reduced appetite. Symptoms often come and go in cycles known as flares and remission. While triggers vary by person, common flare triggers include stress, certain foods, missed medication doses, infections, and use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen). Keeping a symptom and food journal can help identify your personal triggers.
What kind of doctor treats IBD?
IBD is primarily managed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the digestive system. Depending on your needs, your care team may also include a colorectal surgeon, a registered dietitian, a mental health professional, and your primary care physician, all working together to manage symptoms, medications, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Does diet affect IBD?
While diet does not cause IBD, what you eat can influence symptoms and flares for many people. There is no single “IBD diet” that works for everyone, since triggers vary from person to person. Some people find relief by limiting high-fiber, high-fat, spicy, or dairy foods during flares, while others benefit from working with a registered dietitian to build a personalized eating plan that supports nutrition without worsening symptoms. Always talk to your care team before making major dietary changes.
Where can I find support as an IBD care-partner?
Caring for someone with IBD can be emotionally and physically demanding, and support is available. Organizations such as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offer care-partner resources, support groups, and educational materials. Online communities, including the MS Views and News community, can also connect you with others who understand the caregiving journey, and many patients' care teams can refer families to local support groups or counseling services.
Trusted links

Inflammatory Bowel Disease resources

Reviewed organizations and patient education for people living with IBD and their care-partners.

All Resources
How to get started

You do not have to face IBD alone

If you are living with IBD, or caring for someone who is, join our community and we will connect you to trusted information, education and support.

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The information on this page is for education only and is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Consult a medical professional about your health.