Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Being diagnosed with IBD

Getting diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is life-changing. Whether it’s Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, for many people, the diagnosis often comes after months of discomfort, uncertainty, and even social isolation. The diagnosis may bring relief, but with that comes the learning of new behaviors and medicines to help manage the condition. As a chronic illness, IBD won't go away on its own. The inflammation of IBD affects the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary widely, making each patient’s experience unique. Medications, dietary changes, and regular doctor visits are part of the typical IBD treatment plan. Patients may also undergo emotional changes as they adapt to a condition that is often handled privately, yet with significant disruption to daily life. On the brighter side, millions of people live with IBD, finding ways to remain joyful and optimistic. Both Crohn’s disease and colitis have strong support through advocacy organizations. Clinical researchers are also looking at new ways to diagnose and treat both conditions.

Understanding your options

IBD patients have a range of treatment options designed to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Common approaches for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Medications commonly used to treat both conditions include a class of drugs called aminosalicylates for mild inflammation, corticosteroids for short-term flare control, immunomodulators like azathioprine and methotrexate for immune system maintenance, and biologics, which are newer therapies made from living entities. These target specific immune pathways to reduce inflammation and help maintain remission from flares. In about 25% of cases doctors may recommend surgery to colitis patients. A procedure called a colectomy may be advised when medical treatment is not effective. Crohn’s disease, which tends to span the entire GI tract with patchy inflammation, may respond better to ongoing medical management. Surgery however may be needed to address complications like strictures or fistulas.

Advances in treatment

Clinical researchers are transforming the landscape of inflammatory bowel disease. Together, dedicated investigators and patient volunteers are expanding knowledge and innovation in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Recent studies have explored novel biologics and small molecule therapies that are targeted in nature. Greater precision leads to fewer overall treatment side effects. There is also growing interest in non-invasive diagnostic tools to shorten the journey to diagnosis. For example, microbiome-based biomarkers and blood tests are showing promise for detecting disease earlier and with better accuracy. Trials are also underway looking at both gene and stem cell therapies, as well as drug combinations that could delay or possibly eliminate surgery for IBD.

You can get involved

Clinical research offers meaningful opportunities for individuals living with, or at risk for, IBD to contribute to science and the development of new treatments, diagnostic tools, and care strategies. Studies are exploring new approaches to symptom management, non-invasive monitoring, and surgical innovations. You can search for clinical trials on this site to find trial options near you, and sign up to be notified when new opportunities arise that may match your needs or interests. Your participation can truly help shape the future of IBD care.

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

Mayo Clinic: IBD: overview. Updated December 18, 2024
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation: Symptoms to watch for
WebMD: IBD Symptoms and treatment. Updated December 12, 2024