Four specific symptoms could mean you need to see a GP14:35, 20 May 2026The NHS issued an alert for people experiencing four specific symptoms as they could signal a condition affecting more than 500,000 people.‌Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day, also known as IBD, is used to describe a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract and is believed to affect over half a million people in the UK. IBD conditions are usually long-term and while most don’t have a cure, there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life.‌Ahead of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day, the NHS has urged anyone experiencing ‘persistent or worrying symptoms’ to see their GP. Signs you should see your GP, according to the NHS:‌Diarrhoea that lasts more than seven daysStomach pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or keeps coming backBlood or mucus in your pooYou’ve lost a lot of weight without trying toIf you have severe stomach pain, non-stop bleeding, leaving a lot of blood or large blood clots in the toilet or you’re vomit looks like coffee grounds you need to call 999 or go to A&E.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌IBD occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks your bowel, causing physical damage like inflammation, which can then affect the way your digestive system works. However, doctors do not yet know what causes the immune system to attack.IBD is also different to IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as one is a chronic autoimmune issue that causes physical damage while the other is a functional disorder that doesn’t cause permanent physical damage.Medication like steroids can be used to help with IBD symptoms and in severe cases, patients might require surgery to remove part of their bowel. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common types of IBD‌Crohn’s diseaseThis condition causes inflammation in different parts of the gut, ranging from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms often come and go in ‘flare-up’s which can last from a few days to several monthsSymptoms of Crohn’s disease:‌DiarrhoeaBlood or mucus in your pooStomach painConstipationPain in your anusFeeling unwell or very tiredLoss of appetiteLosing weightChildren not growing as expectedDelayed pubertyIt’s usually diagnosed through blood tests, poo samples or a procedure where a small camera is passed through your throat or bottom to check inside your gut. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease but treatments can help prolong periods of remission.Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is when the colon and rectum become inflamed. Small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining which can produce pus or bleed.‌Symptoms including having tummy pain, needing to poo frequently and having recurring diarrhoea which may contain blood, mucus or pus. Symptoms can vary in severity depending on how bad the inflammation is and for some people it can have a significant impact on their lives.The NHS warns: “You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you have not been diagnosed with the condition.”Article continues belowDuring a flare-up, people may experience other symptoms outside of digestion like painful joints, mouth ulcers, swollen fat under the skin, red eyes and bone problems. Ulcerative colitis is usually treated with medications to relieve symptoms or may require hospitalisation during severe flare-ups.