Home > About Crohn’s and colitis > Young People with Crohn’s and Colitis

Young people with Crohn’s and colitis

Children and young people with Crohn’s and colitis usually face the same complications and treatments as adults. However, in some cases the disease can be harder to diagnose and can also get in the way of some areas of development. 

We have targeted information for kids, teens and parents

boys celebrating

For Kids (Under 12)

Kids
students at laptop

For Teens (12-18)

Teens

For Parents

Parents
men sitting

Moving from Paediatric to Adult Care 

Adult care
young girl at school desk

Students with IBD

Students with IBD

Key points

  • Sometimes the type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be hard to diagnose in young people, so treatment will focus on reducing symptoms. 
  • IBD can delay growth in young people but it will catch up over time. 
  • Moving from paediatric care to adult care can be a stressful time for young people and it is helpful to start preparing early.
  • IBD has little effect on life expectancy and most people with IBD go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.