Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD ), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a condition that involves chronic inflammation of the intestines. It is estimated that IBD impacts 40,000 people in Ireland, affecting all genders equally.1 It can be diagnosed at any age, with peak incidences between ages 15-35 and 50-70.
Gutcast, the first podcast for people living with IBD in Ireland, was developed by Crohn’s Colitis Ireland (CCI ) and Johnson & Johnson, to support people living with IBD. The podcast series brings together healthcare professionals and people living with the condition to provide practical advice and information for people with IBD, and helping friends and family understand more about their loved one’s experience.
The podcast returns this year with a bonus live episode, recorded at the CCI’s annual patient meeting in May 2024.
Hosted by CCI’s Chief Operations Officer, Amy Kelly, who lives with Crohn’s disease, the new episode features Angela Mullen, an IBD Nurse Specialist at Cork University Hospital (CUH ). To tie in with the launch of the new episode, Angela addresses common questions, helping people to understand more about living with the condition and how to live well with IBD.
For more information and to listen to the full episode of the Gutcast series, please visit https://www.janssenwithme.ie/en-ie/myibdjourney/gutcast
Q: What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
IBD Nurse Specialist Angela Mullen said, “Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD ) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS ) are both conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, but they are fundamentally different in terms of their nature and underlying causes.
IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD sees structural damage to the intestines due to inflammation, with symptoms often including severe abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD can lead to serious complications such as intestinal blockage, ulcers, and an increased risk of colon cancer. The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, however genetic factors and environmental factors can all play a role. While there is currently no known cure for IBD, treatments and interventions for IBD are constantly improving to can help people manage the condition and live full lives.
In contrast to this, IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning there are no visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract. IBS is characterised by symptoms similar to IBD such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or even both. However, unlike IBD, IBS does not cause inflammation, ulcers, or damage to the bowel.”
Q: What is Crohn’s disease?
Angela Mullen said, “Crohn's disease is a type of IBD that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. The inflammation can penetrate multiple layers of the intestinal walls, causing deep ulcers and scarring. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain and cramping, chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, malnutrition, fever, mouth sores, and reduced appetite. Crohn’s disease can bring a number of complications including bowel obstruction, fistulas, abscesses, as well as an increased risk of colon cancer.
Crohn's disease is a chronic condition, meaning it is ongoing and lifelong. Patients may experience periods of good health also known as ‘remission’, as well as times when symptoms are more active which are referred to as ‘flare-ups’.”
Q: What is Ulcerative colitis?
Angela Mullen said, “Ulcerative colitis is another type of IBD, but unlike Crohn's disease, it specifically affects the colon (large intestine ) and the rectum. The inflammation is limited to the innermost lining of these areas. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhoea, often with blood or pus, abdominal pain or cramping, rectal pain and bleeding, urgency or inability to defecate, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. There are several complications that can arise from ulcerative colitis, including severe bleeding, perforated colon, severe dehydration, liver disease, bone loss, inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes, and an increased risk of colon cancer. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors play a role. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.”
Questions like these and much more are answerd on the podcast. The Gutcast podcast series features a variety healthcare experts including Consultant Gastroenterologists, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and IBD nurse specialists alongside individuals living with IBD, offering valuable insights and advice on numerous topics.
To listen in to the latest episode of Gutcast, visit: https://www.janssenwithme.ie/en-ie/myibdjourney/gutcast
You can also learn more about resources for IBD, including the helpline and peer-to-peer support, through the Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland website.
