It is National Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect approximately 1.6 Americans. IBD is a chronic life-long condition that can be treated but not cured.
The 2016 awareness week theme is #IBDvisible, in an effect to draw attention to the silent but significant impact diseases like Crohn’s and colitis have on a person’s quality of life. Patients may look healthy but are suffering debilitating side effects internally.
Crohn’s and colitis cause chronic inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms that can include: persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal
