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The IBD Project

Adults
Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis
Back Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of lifelong diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Types of IBD How is IBD diagnosed?
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Back Crohn’s disease
One of the main types of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease (CD) is a lifelong condition, and it’s usually progressive.
Diagnosing CD Managing CD Treating CD
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Back Ulcerative colitis
One of the most common types of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong condition, and it can be progressive in some people.
Diagnosing UC Managing UC Treating UC
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Pediatrics
Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis
Back
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong condition where the immune system causes inflammation in the digestive tract. There are two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Understanding IBD
Guide to pediatric CD
Guide to pediatric UC
Back
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease (CD) is the most common type of IBD in children and teens. While diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in, it allows your child to start getting the care they need.
Understanding CD Navigating CD
Guide to pediatric CD
Guide to pediatric UC
Back
Ulcerative colitis
Though ulcerative colitis (UC) is less common than CD in children and teens, it can be severe when it is diagnosed. It’s great that you’re seeking information to help your child navigate their UC.
Understanding UC Navigating UC
Guide to pediatric CD
Guide to pediatric UC
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The IBD Project

Pediatric FAQs

When your child or teen may have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can be difficult to know where to start or what to ask. These FAQs provide answers to common questions about IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Learning about IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract by mistake. This causes inflammation and damage. The two main types are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Though UC is more common in adults, Crohn’s disease is more common in children in the US.

The signs or symptoms of IBD include:

Poor growth
Weight loss or lack of weight gain
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Constipation
Feeling like they have to go when they don’t
Nausea and vomiting
Cracks or painful bumps near the anus
Unexplained fevers
Urgent need to move bowels

There are some signs or symptoms of IBD that appear outside the digestive tract. These are called extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs). EIMs are relatively common in children who have been diagnosed with IBD.

If you notice these signs or symptoms in your child or teen, talk with their pediatrician. Your child may not have every symptom, but even a few are worth discussing.

Having some signs or symptoms of IBD does not mean that your child has it—only a healthcare provider can tell you that for certain. The first step is to have a conversation with your child’s pediatrician to see if your child should see a pediatric GI doctor. The pediatric GI doctor can evaluate your child and determine whether IBD is present.

Having a thoughtful conversation with your child’s pediatrician can help you decide whether to pursue further evaluation for IBD. Preparing ahead of time can make this discussion more productive and collaborative. There are some key pieces of information you can share with your child’s pediatrician to help them make an informed decision.

Crohn’s disease (CD)

Learning about CD

Crohn’s disease, also known as CD, is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s a lifelong disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.

Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation along any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine.

The inflammation can be on the surface as well as the deeper layers of the digestive tract. It often appears in patches, with areas of inflammation alongside healthy tissue.

There are many ways CD can show up in the body. You may want to pay particular attention if your child is growing more slowly than expected. This can be one of the first ways that Crohn’s disease appears in children.

Stay alert, and get in touch with your child’s GI doctor if any of these signs or symptoms appear or come back:

Poor growth
Weight loss or lack of weight gain
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Cracks or painful bumps near the anus
Unexplained fevers

There are some signs or symptoms of CD that appear outside the digestive tract. These are called extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs).

It’s important to contact your child’s GI doctor right away if you see any signs or symptoms of CD worsening or reappearing.

Crohn’s disease is believed to be due to a combination of genetics and environment. Together, these factors trigger an immune response that causes inflammation.

Living with CD

Goals of treatment include healing the tissue in the intestine—not just making symptoms go away. There are various treatments available. Talk to your child’s doctor about which treatment may fit your child’s situation.

Sometimes surgery is also required if the disease gets too severe and/or your child develops complications. If your child has moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease, or is at high risk for a complicated disease course, a biologic treatment may be appropriate.

When Crohn’s disease is active, it’s tough for your child’s body to keep all the nutrients and water it needs. During periods of remission, it’s important for your child to maintain a balanced diet with options from all food groups.

There are also some strategies that your child can use at any time, but may be particularly helpful during a flare-up.

Living with IBD means thinking ahead, especially when it comes to bathroom access. A little planning can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and in control when they are out and about.

Living with IBD can be challenging for children and teens, both physically and emotionally. However, there are some ways you can help support your child’s mental health.

As a care partner, proactive communication with your child’s school is key. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation suggests discussing a 504 plan with your child’s teachers and administration.

Work with your child and their healthcare team to determine the right accommodation requests for your child.

For older teens with Crohn’s disease, moving from pediatric to adult healthcare is a major step that may involve learning some new skills. For children and younger teens, the best way to set them up for future success is to model for them when they are young, engage them and encourage participation as they age, and let them lead when they are ready.

There are all kinds of resources and support available for care partners of children with CD, both from Living with IBD and elsewhere. You might check out the Guide to pediatric CD, and advocacy groups like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Ulcerative colitis (UC)

Learning about UC

Ulcerative colitis, also known as UC, is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s a lifelong disease that causes inflammation in the large intestine. It typically begins in the rectum and extends continuously through the colon.

When the lining becomes inflamed, it can create sores called ulcers that can lead to blood and mucus in your child’s stool.

There are various types of UC that can be classified in different ways. Sometimes UC is classified by the pattern, severity, or location of the inflammation and can change over time.

There are many ways UC can show up in the body. You may want to pay particular attention if your child is growing more slowly than expected. This can be one of the first ways that UC appears in children.

Stay alert, and get in touch with your child’s GI doctor if any of these signs or symptoms appear or come back:

Poor growth
Weight loss or lack of weight gain
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Feeling like they have to go when they don’t
Constipation
Unexplained fevers
Urgent need to move bowels

There are some signs or symptoms of UC that appear outside the digestive tract. These are called extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs).

It’s important to contact your child’s GI doctor right away if you see any signs or symptoms of UC worsening or reappearing.

Ulcerative colitis is believed to be due to a combination of genetics and environment. Together, these factors trigger an immune response that causes inflammation.

Living with UC

Goals of treatment include healing the tissue in the intestine—not just making symptoms go away. There are various treatments available. Talk to your child’s doctor about which treatment may fit your child’s situation.

Sometimes surgery is also required if the disease gets too severe and/or your child develops complications.

When ulcerative colitis is active, it’s tough for your child’s body to keep all the nutrients and water it needs. During periods of remission, it’s important for your child to maintain a balanced diet with options from all food groups.

There are also some strategies that your child can use at any time, but may be particularly helpful during a flare-up.

Living with IBD means thinking ahead, especially when it comes to bathroom access. A little planning can go a long way in helping your child feel confident and in control when they are out and about.

Living with IBD can be challenging for children and teens, both physically and emotionally. However, there are some ways you can help support your child’s mental health.

As a care partner, proactive communication with your child’s school is key. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation suggests discussing a 504 plan with your child’s teachers and administration.

Work with your child and their healthcare team to determine the right accommodation requests for your child.

For older teens with ulcerative colitis, moving from pediatric to adult healthcare is a major step that may involve learning some new skills. For children and younger teens, the best way to set them up for future success is to model for them when they are young, engage them and encourage participation as they age, and let them lead when they are ready.

There are all kinds of resources and support available for care partners of children with UC, both from Living with IBD and elsewhere. You might check out the Guide to pediatric UC, and advocacy groups like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Featured
resource

For pediatrics

Guides to pediatric CD/UC

Get clear information and practical resources to help you feel empowered and make confident decisions about caring for a child with Crohn’s disease and/or ulcerative colitis.

Pediatric CD guide Pediatric UC guide

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