IBD Perth
Understanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term condition where the immune system wrongly attacks the gut, causing swelling and irritation. The two main types are Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system, and ulcerative colitis, which only affects the large intestine (also called the large bowel or colon).
IBD Perth
When your gut fights back
Your gut’s job is to digest food, absorb nutrients, and keep things running smoothly. But for some people, the gut becomes a constant problem. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the immune system wrongly attacks the gut, causing ongoing inflammation, pain, and digestive issues.
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
If you’ve ever heard of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, those are the two main types of IBD. Different, but equally frustrating.
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It typically occurs in patchy segments, meaning inflamed areas are interspersed with healthy tissue.
- Ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine (colon and rectum), where it causes continuous inflammation, starting from the rectum and extending upward.
Both conditions present with:
- Chronic diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fatigue, often due to chronic inflammation and nutrient malabsorption
- Unintentional weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
- An urgent need to pass stool, sometimes with tenesmus (a persistent sensation of needing to defecate)
What causes IBD?
Why does this happen? The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood. What we do know is:
- Genetics play a role – If a family member has IBD, you’re more likely to develop it.
- The immune system overreacts – Instead of protecting you, it attacks your gut lining.
- Gut bacteria are involved – Changes in your microbiome (the bacteria in your digestive system) might trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Environmental factors matter – Stress, diet, infections, and even where you live may influence IBD.
What doesn’t cause IBD?
- Eating junk food (diet can impact symptoms but doesn’t cause the disease).
- Stress alone (it might make flare-ups worse, but it’s not the root cause).
IBD is not the same as food intolerance or a sensitive stomach – It is a chronic medical condition involving immune system dysfunction, not just a reaction to certain foods.
Getting a diagnosis: What happens next?
If your gut symptoms aren’t going away, it’s time to see your GP who may refer you to gastroenterologists like Westside Gastro. IBD isn’t something you can self-diagnose, and ignoring symptoms can lead to complications.
If you’re experiencing ongoing gut symptoms, we’ll start by investigating the cause with a mix of tests, including:
- Blood tests – To check for inflammation and signs of nutrient deficiencies.
- Stool tests – To rule out infections and check for inflammation markers.
- Colonoscopy – A camera-based test that lets us see inside your gut and check for inflammation, ulcers, or damage.
- Scans (MRI or CT) for Crohn’s disease, which can affect areas beyond the colon.
Early diagnosis matters. The sooner you know what’s happening, the sooner you can start managing it properly.
The real impact of IBD
IBD isn’t just about toilet troubles. It’s a whole-body condition that affects:
- Your mind – Anxiety about symptoms, fear of flare-ups, and the exhaustion of managing a long-term condition can take a mental toll.
- Your diet – Foods that were fine one day might trigger pain the next. Some people need to be extra careful with high-fibre foods, dairy, or certain carbohydrates.
- Your social life – Last-minute toilet runs, cancelling plans, and always needing to know where the nearest bathroom is. It can make outings feel like a mission.
- Your energy levels – Chronic inflammation means your body is always working overtime. And because your gut isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, fatigue becomes a daily struggle.
Living with IBD: How do you manage it?
There’s no ‘cure’ for IBD (yet), but there are treatments that can help:
- Medications – These reduce inflammation and keep the immune system from overreacting. Some people take mild anti-inflammatories, while others need stronger treatments like biologics (targeted therapies that calm down immune activity).
- Diet adjustments – There’s no single “IBD diet,” but many people find certain foods worsen symptoms. Keeping a food diary or working with a dietitian can help. At Westside Gastroenterology we offer this service.
- Lifestyle changes – Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and regular (gentle) exercise can all make a difference.
- Regular monitoring – IBD isn’t something you can “fix” and forget about. Ongoing check-ups help catch complications early and keep things under control.
- Surgery (in severe cases) – For some people, damaged sections of the gut need to be removed. This is more common in ulcerative colitis, where the colon may be surgically removed if symptoms are unmanageable.
IBD at Westside Gastroenterology
Take-away message
With early diagnosis and proper management, many people with IBD lead active, fulfilling lives. Ongoing medical follow-up is essential to monitor disease progression, assess treatment response, and prevent complications such as strictures, fistulas, or an increased risk of colorectal cancer in long-standing ulcerative colitis.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150