Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD refers to a group of illnesses that affect & cause long-term swelling in your digestive tract. Dr Nadir, our Inflammatory Bowel Disease Consultant, helps reduce symptoms, heals the bowel lining entirely, and prevents future complications.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a broad term that refers to digestive tract disorders causing swelling in the digestive tract and its lining.
Unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), IBD is an autoimmune condition that can cause physical damage to the bowel lining if not controlled with specialist medication.
Dr Nadir focuses on a treat-to-target approach, meaning the goal is not just to reduce symptoms, but to heal the bowel lining entirely and prevent future complications.
As Seen On
Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD is an umbrella term for two main conditions. To know exactly which one you have changes how Dr Nadir treats you.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can cause deep inflammation anywhere in your digestive tract, from your mouth to your bottom. It often affects all layers of the bowel wall.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and tiny sores that bleed (ulcers) only in the inner wall of your large bowel and rectum.
Common Symptoms of IBD
IBD symptoms often occur during flare-ups (when the disease is active) and resolve in remission (when the bowel is calm). The common symptoms of IBD are:
- Persistent diarrhoea or an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Blood in the stool.
- Unexplained weight loss and extreme fatigue.
Key Causes or Triggers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The true cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is not yet fully known, but it is widely understood to be an abnormal immune response.
Immune System Malfunction
In people with IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the digestive tract as if they were harmful invaders.
Genetics
You may be more likely to develop IBD if you have a family history of the condition, though many patients have no prior family link.
Environmental Triggers
Factors such as smoking, certain medications, or a high-fat diet may trigger the onset of inflammation in those already at risk.
Gut Microbiome Imbalance
Changes in the gut bacterial balance (dysbiosis) can play a major role in triggering bowel inflammation & may be sustaining it.
How Does Our Specialist Diagnose IBD?
To provide a definitive diagnosis, Dr Nadir Abbas uses a gold-standard technical approach to distinguish IBD from other digestive conditions like IBS. Here’s the diagnostic pathway:
Expert Consultation
Dr Nadir conducts a detailed review of your symptoms and medical history to identify specific inflammatory patterns.
Gold-Standard Endoscopy
He performs advanced colonoscopies to visually inspect the bowel lining for signs of Crohn’s or Colitis.
Precision Biopsy
During the procedure, tiny tissue samples are taken for microscopic analysis, which is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of IBD.
Faecal Calprotectin Test
This advanced stool test measures the level of active protein in the gut, helping Dr Nadir track the severity of inflammation.
Imaging & Surveillance
He may use specialist scans to check for inflammation in areas of the small bowel that standard scopes cannot reach.
Consultant-Led Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management
Advanced Medical Therapy
Dr Nadir specialises in modern biologic therapies and steroid-sparing treatments to stabilise the immune system safely.
Nutritional Health Programme
With the help of a multidisciplinary team, he manages malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies often caused by Crohn’s disease and Colitis.
Long-Term Surveillance
Dedicated follow-ups and regular endoscopy check-ups are used to screen the lining of the bowel and ensure your long-term safety.
Gold-Standard Diagnosis & Long-Term Surveillance by Dr Nadir
Dr Nadir Abbas utilises the gold-standard technical approach for IBD, combining high-definition endoscopy with precision biopsies to confirm inflammation at a microscopic level.
Beyond an initial diagnosis, he provides a dedicated long-term surveillance programme to monitor your bowel health, ensure treatment remains effective, and screen for future complications. The consultant-led oversight ensures that every stage of your condition is managed with the highest clinical accuracy and safety.
Dr Nadir Abbas
MBBS, MRCP (London), ESEGH, PhD
Consultant Hepatologist & Gastroenterologist
Director of Private Gut and Liver Services at House of Health
Dr Nadir Abbas is an award-winning NHS consultant and internationally recognised researcher who brings world-class expertise in gut and liver disorders to House of Health as Director of Gut & Liver Private Services in Birmingham, UK.
He combines expert patient care with internationally recognised research in liver and digestive disorders. Dr Abbas has contributed to British guidelines on the management of liver cirrhosis, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and presented at international conferences.
At House of Health, he leads a multidisciplinary team providing personalised care for complex gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Highlights:
- 14+ years of clinical experience.
- A PhD specifically in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) from the University of Birmingham, UK.
- Specialist in all aspects of liver diseases, including PBC, autoimmune hepatitis, PSC, Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/MASH), IBS, IBD, GORD, pancreatic and biliary disorders, alongside general gastroenterology issues.
- Research expertise in primary biliary cholangitis and liver cirrhosis.
- International conference speaker and published author.
- Leads a multidisciplinary team of dietitians, radiologists, GPs, and gut-directed therapists.
- Skilled in advanced endoscopy and comprehensive digestive investigations.
Ready to Take Control of Your Gut Health?
Get expert IBD care from Dr Nadir Abbas, a leading gastroenterologist and IBD specialist in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
IBS changes how your gut muscles work, but does not damage the tissue. IBD causes real inflammation, sores, and physical damage to your bowel that needs expert medical care from an Inflammatory Bowel Disease consultant.
There is no permanent cure yet, but with expert chronic management, Dr Nadir can often push the disease into deep remission. This means your bowel heals and you can live a normal, active life without ongoing symptoms.
A biopsy is the gold standard for an exact diagnosis because it allows your tissue to be examined under a microscope. This technical step confirms the exact type of IBD you have and measures the true extent of the inflammation.
While food does not cause IBD, the wrong diet can worsen a flare-up and lead to dangerous nutritional deficiencies. A focus on nutritional health helps your body rebuild and repair tissue while ensuring you absorb vital nutrients.
Because IBD is a chronic condition, regular check-ups are essential to make sure that treatment remains effective and your bowel lining stays healthy. Dr Nadir uses surveillance to catch any changes early, providing you with long-term safety and peace of mind.
Red flags include blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent nocturnal diarrhoea. If you experience these, Dr Nadir recommends an urgent specialist consultation and a gold-standard endoscopy to rule out serious complications.
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