This United European Gastroenterology video is all about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

MORE: Fatigue and pain are the most challenging symptoms for IBD patients.

A person’s IBD journey can often start very early in life, as approximately 25 percent of cases are diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. More than half of IBD sufferers surveyed said that the disease had adversely affected their childhood and education. IBD can be difficult to diagnose, with some waiting up to five years to get the correct diagnosis and begin treatment.

As well as affecting the body, around a quarter of people living with IBD are emotionally affected and suffer from depression or anxiety.

To improve IBD patients’ journeys, there needs to be support from doctors and other healthcare professionals, family and friends, as well as policy makers who can help push for more research and better treatment facilities.

MORE: Dealing with abdominal pain when you have IBD.

IBD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.