Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which can affect anyone of any age or gender, although it predominantly impacts people between the ages of 16 to 30.
At least 115,000 people in the UK have Crohn’s disease and around one in 10,000 people are newly diagnosed every year, according to charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK.
Causes of Crohn’s disease are unknown, but experts suggest it could be a combination of factors including genetics, the immune system or smoking.
The disease is not currently curable but there are a number of treatments for sufferers.
NHS Choices said people with Crohn’s disease often have a disrupted immune system, which sends a protein to kill all bacteria – regardless of whether they are beneficial to the gut.
There can be months where people don’t experience any symptoms but people can experience flare ups. Flare ups can also be triggered by diet.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and fever, mouth ulcers, lack of appetite and anaemia.
In ulcerative colitis, tiny ulcers develop on the surface of the lining of the large bowel.
Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large intestine) but Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
Charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK said: “It’s estimated that ulcerative colitis affects about one in every 420 people in the UK – roughly 146,000 people.
“The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon.
Symptoms of colitis are similar to Crohn’s with recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus, abdominal pain, needing to empty bowels frequently, anaemia, and a loss of appetite.
For many of the estimated 300,000 people living in the UK with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, the two main forms of IBD, the sudden and uncontrollable need to use a toilet is an especially challenging and recognised medical symptom of their condition
Travel with IBD, a new campaign between Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Takeda UK Ltd, is calling for major travel hubs in the UK to adopt additional signage on accessible toilets.
The campaign is urging people to visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk and send a campaign email to the bosses of UK airports, rail stations and service stations to ask for their help in the wide adoption of additional accessible toilet signage for accessible travel.
Travel with IBD aims to reduce the stigma those with the conditions face when using accessible toilets and give them more confidence to travel.
Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, English swimming Olympic-medallist, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.
“For years my swimming career has meant I travel a lot, whether it’s around the UK or further abroad,” she said.
“Since being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis I have experienced how difficult journeys can be with an invisible condition, particularly when faced with the extra worry of using accessible toilets.
“I am really proud to be supporting Travel with IBD.
“I believe that by adopting accessible toilet signage we can help eliminate the stigma people with hidden disabilities face every day.”
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