ABOUT CROHN'S DISEASE & ULCERATIVE COLITIS #Crohns Disease & Ulcerative #Colitis are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and are not to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). For example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) does not produce the destructive inflammation found in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Although both share some similar symptoms they are very different illnesses - please be mindful of this and sensitive in your approach when sharing your experiences with others. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) = Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis 👍 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) = Something else 🙈 Irritable Bowel Disease = Doesn't exist 🙃 💜 @GetYourBellyOut 💜 #GetYourBellyOut provides support, education and advocacy to a global community of people affected by Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD) 🥰🤗 👉 #CrohnsDisease causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut. Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the gut, though the most common area affected is the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine), or the colon. The areas of inflammation are often patchy with sections of normal gut in between. A patch of inflammation may be small, only a few centimetres, or extend quite a distance along part of the gut. As well as affecting the lining of the bowel, Crohn’s may also go deeper into the bowel wall. 👉 #UlcerativeColitis causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the rectum and colon (the large bowel). In Ulcerative Colitis, ulcers develop on the surface of the lining and these may bleed and produce mucus. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon. If Ulcerative Colitis only affects the rectum, it's called proctitis, while if it affects the whole colon it may be called total colitis or pancolitis. ⭐️ Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis are chronic illnesses. This means it's ongoing and life-long, although you may have periods of good health (remission), as well as times when symptoms are more active (relapses or flare-ups). 🙃 IBD can also affect other areas of the body not only the digestive system - these are referred to as 'extraintestinal manifestations' (such as the eyes, joints or skin etc) ❤️ You can help us and others living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease by sharing this post to raise awareness and consider making a donation via our website. Thank you!

💜You still show up! 💜