When it comes to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you, and the millions of other sufferers around the world, by tackling the chronic inflammation that makes inflammatory bowel disease so stressful to live with.
Our focus in Gastroenterology: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including your genes, an abnormal reaction of your immune system to certain bacteria in your gut, and triggers to do with diet or stress.[1], [2], [3]
IBD is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a non-inflammatory condition.[1]
At Janssen, we’re focused on the two main types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis, 40x magnification
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic condition affecting any region of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s characterised by the body’s immune system mistaking food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine for foreign substances.[2], [4]
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the rectum and large intestine (the colon). Ulcers develop on the lining of the large intestine and these may bleed and produce mucus.[5]
Introduction to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
My IBD Journey campaign
Looking for support, information and practical tips on living with inflammatory bowel disease? Have a look at our series of animations about the reality of living with IBD.
We worked with the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Association (EFCCA) on a series of animations about living with IBD, and the impact of the condition. The series is based on typical experiences of people with either Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.
My IBD Journey
Inflammatory Bowel Disease facts
IBD affects 4.3 million people in Europe, and that number is increasing.[6]
Although a patient may have long periods of good health where symptoms are reduced or may even disappear (known as remission), relapses or flare-ups can also occur when symptoms become more active again.[2]
34–40% of IBD patient surveys say their intimate relationships are negatively affected by their condition.[7]