From a patient’s perspective, the most important IBD symptoms include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• gas
• urgency

Flare-ups of variable length and severity can occur with both Crohn’s and colitis. The cause of flare-ups is not known, but many patients feel that “stress” can play a role.

Digestive disease is an invisible handicap that is not often openly discussed. Unfortunately, lack of discussion may delay diagnosis and, as a result, appropriate treatment.

For tips on how to deal with some of these lifestyle issues, check out the helpful advice offered by some of our patient contributors, especially Carly and Neil.