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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes abdominal discomfort and chronic diarrhea. IBD symptoms and the uncertainty of when they’ll strike may cause you to put your life on hold. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Washington University Physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital help many people live full, active lives. We lead one of the nation’s largest inflammatory bowel disease centers, treating thousands of people every year. You can count on us for expert, personalized care. 

IBD Care: Why Choose Us?

We are a comprehensive IBD center with nationally recognized specialists. We offer a level of care that’s not widely available, including the latest treatments, specialized support and preventive care. Our experience enables us to tailor your diagnosis and treatment, so you achieve the best possible results.

We are the largest center in the St. Louis region, treating all aspects of Crohn’s and colitis, types of IBD. Our doctors regularly work with people who have difficult-to-treat forms of IBD. Even if other therapies have not been successful, we can help you feel better.

You’ll find: 

  • Timely appointments: When you experience IBD symptoms, you don’t have to wait to feel better. We see sick patients as quickly as possible — often within a few days. Our doctors and nurses are also available by phone. Our commitment to delivering timely care speeds your recovery. Find out more about IBD treatment and testing.
  • Crohn’s and colitis clinical trials: You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial and receive IBD medications that are not widely available. Our reputation for IBD research excellence gives you access to options that are only available in select centers.
  • Leading-edge treatments: You receive the latest therapies, in some cases from doctors who had a hand in developing them. Our doctors lead research in areas such as stem cell therapies for Crohn’s disease affecting the anus (perianal Crohn’s disease). We host medical education events where we share care practices with doctors from across the region. Find an IBD specialist.  

What Is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions affecting the lining of your intestines. IBD is an immune disease, meaning an abnormal immune system response triggers inflammation in your intestines. The inflammation causes symptoms that often include pain and bouts of chronic diarrhea. 

Our doctors care for all forms of IBD, including:

  • Colitis, which can cause inflammation in any part of your colon or large intestine
  • Crohn's disease, which causes inflammation in any part of your digestive tract

Specialized Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care

We offer care that helps you feel your best:

IBD Care and Pregnancy

Certain IBD medications can make it difficult to get pregnant. But our IBD experts help many women have healthy pregnancies and babies. 

If you wish to start or expand your family, we use IBD medications that are safe for you and your unborn child. We relieve symptoms of IBD flare-ups with medications that are safe to take while pregnant. 

Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care

Adult and pediatric IBD experts work together to help adolescents transition to adult care. We establish a timeline tailored to each person’s needs. Regular communication between pediatric and adult specialists ensures there are no gaps in care. 

Our approach helps young adults take an active role in their treatment, with:

  • Extra appointment time to learn about their diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Advice from IBD nurses
  • Smartphone apps to keep up with daily medications

Support for Patients With Crohn’s and Colitis 

When you’re living with IBD, it’s natural to worry about symptom flare-ups. Support from our gastroenterology (GI) psychologist helps you push past fear and anxiety so you can live your life. 

Our specialists have completed additional training in meeting the unique needs of people with Crohn’s and colitis. You may benefit from relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms that help you live your life — even when symptoms are slowing you down.

Refer a Patient 

Local doctors frequently rely on our team for second opinions and therapies for difficult-to-treat forms of IBD. We deliver trusted care that draws patients from the St. Louis region and surrounding communities. Read more IBD information: For Professionals

Contact Us

To make an appointment with a Washington University IBD specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 866.899.0143.

2023 Best Hospitals - Gastroenterology and GI Surgery

#29 in the Nation (Tie) by U.S. News & World Report

Find a doctor or make an appointment: 866.867.3627
General Information: 314.747.3000
One Barnes-Jewish Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
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