Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage, but most commonly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon). 

Common symptoms can include:

• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue (extreme tiredness) 
• unintended weight loss 
• blood and mucus in your faeces (stools) 

People with Crohn's disease sometimes go for long periods without symptoms or with very mild symptoms. This is known as remission. Remission can be followed by periods where symptoms flare up and become particularly troublesome.

For more information see NHS Choices website HERE

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition, where the colon and rectum become inflamed.

The colon is the large intestine (bowel), and the rectum is the end of the bowel where stools are stored.

Small ulcers can develop on the colon's lining, and can bleed and produce pus.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

• recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus 
• abdominal (tummy) pain
• needing to empty your bowels frequently 

You may also experience fatigue (extreme tiredness), loss of appetite and weight loss.

The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives.

For more information see NHS Choices website HERE