Living with IBD: An Invisible Illness

Kelsey Cheyne

Executive Director, Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of intestinal disorders that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and ulceration (sores) of the small and large intestines. The two most common disorders are called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These disorders are sometimes called invisible illnesses because their symptoms are difficult for others to see. Awareness is the first step to understanding, and so we’ve outlined what it’s like for someone to live with IBD. It’s important to note that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can affect each person differently. Pictured below are the most common signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms can interfere with work, school, relationships, travel, and physical and emotional well-being.

The symptoms listed can be painful, embarrassing, and debilitating. Symptoms can interfere with work, school, relationships, travel, and physical and emotional well-being. They can severely impact a person’s quality of life, causing stress, anxiety, and depression.