Intestinal inflammation: what to do? First steps, assessment, and treatment
ca. 24 Minuten
Key points
With intestinal inflammation, keep a written record of symptoms, take warning signs seriously, and have a doctor investigate the cause. Significant weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or paleness should always be checked by a doctor, according to IQWiG (2023). Chronic intestinal inflammation is treated by a doctor - self-tests and dietary changes are not a substitute.
“Intestinal inflammation” isn't a single clinical condition but an umbrella term. It can refer to an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, acute inflammation of diverticula, or temporary irritation. Irritable bowel syndrome is explicitly not included: no inflammation can be identified as the cause. This article clarifies the terms, describes the assessment process, and explains what helps between flare-ups.
Chapter 1 summarizes what matters in the first few days, and Chapter 2 compares Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Chapter 3 lists the warning signs, including when to seek emergency care, and Chapter 4 explains how the assessment works. Chapter 5 describes treatment without making recommendations. Chapter 6 clears up two misconceptions, Chapter 7 covers everyday life between flare-ups, and Chapters 8 and 9 put microbiome analysis into perspective.
What to expect in this article
1. Intestinal inflammation - what to do in the first few days?
2. What forms are there - and what isn't inflammation?
3. When does intestinal inflammation require immediate medical attention?
4. What does the medical assessment involve?
5. How is intestinal inflammation treated?
6. Which misconceptions persist?
7. What helps between flare-ups?
8. What can a microbiome analysis do - and when is it useful?
9. Putting it in perspective: what a self-test can't do
Conclusion
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Intestinal inflammation - what to do in the first few days?
If you suspect intestinal inflammation, you should do two things in parallel: keep an organized record of your symptoms and make an appointment with a doctor. Both take little effort and can determine how quickly the cause is found later.
Keeping a record is so important because bowel symptoms fluctuate. What gets described at a consultation as “on and off for a while” suddenly becomes a clear pattern on paper.
What should you include in a symptom diary?
A symptom diary doesn't need an app or a spreadsheet. Date, time, type of symptoms, stool frequency and consistency, fever, weight, and anything noticeably different are all you need.
Three details are especially informative: whether the symptoms wake you at night, whether they persist for weeks, and whether there has been blood in your stool. These are exactly the details that distinguish harmless irritation from a finding that needs prompt investigation.
It’s also helpful to make a list of all medications taken regularly. According to IQWiG (2025), regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers is among the most common causes of stomach and duodenal ulcers – a connection that often only comes up during the consultation when the doctor asks about it.
Why self-diagnosis doesn’t work for intestinal inflammation
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramps are nonspecific. The same three symptoms can occur with inflammatory bowel disease, an inflamed diverticulum, an infection, and irritable bowel syndrome – in which, according to IQWiG (2023), no inflammation can be detected.
The distinction can only be made through tests: blood and stool tests, ultrasound, and, depending on the suspected cause, a colonoscopy.
Key point: “Intestinal inflammation” is a collective term for very different conditions. Only a doctor can determine the cause through blood and stool tests, imaging, and, if necessary, a colonoscopy.
What types are there – and what is not an inflammation?
In everyday usage, the term intestinal inflammation mainly refers to two chronic conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are inflammatory bowel diseases, occur in flare-ups, and are treated by a doctor.
Irritable bowel syndrome is often lumped in with these conditions, but it doesn’t belong there: it causes similar symptoms, but no inflammation can be detected.
| Criterion | Crohn’s disease | Ulcerative colitis | Irritable bowel syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is inflamed? | Chronic inflammation in the bowel; according to IQWiG (2026), an inflammatory bowel disease | According to IQWiG (2026), the rectum, and sometimes the entire large intestine | Nothing detectable – no inflammation as the cause |
| Typical symptoms | During an acute flare-up, according to IQWiG (2026), mainly abdominal pain and diarrhea | During a flare-up, according to IQWiG (2026), abdominal pain with cramps, especially during bowel movements; a very strong urge to pass stool | According to IQWiG (2023), persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, cramps, and changes in bowel movements |
| How common is it? | An estimated 320 out of 100,000 people in Europe (IQWiG, 2026) | Probably around 400,000 people in Germany (IQWiG, 2026) | An estimated 10 to 20 out of 100 people (IQWiG, 2023) |
| Is it an inflammation? | Yes | Yes | No |
| How is it treated? | According to IQWiG (2026), several medications may be considered; the treating practice makes the choice | Medically supervised, tailored to the course and severity | According to IQWiG (2023), it is not dangerous; many people affected manage without treatment |
Crohn’s disease: rare, chronic, recurring in flare-ups
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that occurs in flare-ups. According to IQWiG (2026), an estimated 320 out of every 100,000 people in Europe have Crohn’s disease; around 3 to 6 out of every 100,000 people develop it each year.
According to IQWiG (2026), acute flare-ups mainly cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Symptoms may largely disappear between flare-ups, leading many people affected to wait for the next flare-up rather than report it.
Ulcerative colitis: the rectum and colon are affected
According to IQWiG (2026), ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the rectum, and sometimes the entire colon. Experts estimate that around 400,000 people in Germany have ulcerative colitis.
According to IQWiG (2026), the diagnosis is most often made in younger adults between the ages of 20 and 40; men and women are affected equally often. During an acute flare-up, abdominal pain and cramps occur, often especially during bowel movements.
The urge to pass stool is characteristic: According to IQWiG (2026), it occurs several times within 24 hours and is often so strong that it is difficult to hold back. This is precisely what makes the condition so burdensome in everyday life.
Diverticulitis: acute inflammation of intestinal pouches
According to IQWiG (2026), diverticula are pouches in the intestinal lining: In affected areas, the inner wall of the intestine bulges outward through weak spots in the intestinal muscles. If such a pouch becomes inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.
Diverticula are common and almost a normal part of aging: According to IQWiG (2026), about 13% of people under 50 have diverticula, compared with about 50% of people over 70. About 1% of all people with diverticula develop diverticulitis within 10 years.
According to IQWiG (2026), diverticular disease usually causes pain in the lower left abdomen, and more rarely in the lower right. If inflammation develops, sudden dull pain occurs in the lower abdomen, accompanied by a mild fever.
When does intestinal inflammation require immediate medical attention?
Some symptoms call for no self-treatment, dietary changes, or testing, but solely a medical examination. These signs are deliberately listed before all other chapters in this article.
These signs need medical evaluation
- ✓ Significant weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or paleness – according to IQWiG (2023), these additional symptoms are more likely to indicate another bowel condition than irritable bowel syndrome.
- ✓ Blood in the stool in any amount - according to IQWiG (2023), blood in the stool should always be medically evaluated to determine the cause.
- ✓ Severe abdominal pain, a hard abdomen, fever, nausea, a racing heart, and general weakness - according to IQWiG (2026), it is important to seek medical help promptly if these signs occur.
- ✓ Black stool or vomiting blood - according to IQWiG (2025), warning signs of complications, as are signs of anemia such as fatigue, dizziness, paleness, or shortness of breath during physical exertion.
- ✓ Sudden, severe abdominal pain - according to IQWiG (2025), call emergency services at 112 immediately.
Why blood in the stool should never be ignored
Blood in the stool can have many possible causes - from harmless to serious. That is precisely why the principle in IQWiG’s information on irritable bowel syndrome (2023) applies: blood in the stool should always be medically evaluated to determine the cause. This applies even when an explanation seems obvious.
What matters first during an acute flare-up
An acute flare-up is no time for experiments. If you already have a diagnosis, report the worsening symptoms to the practice providing your care rather than stopping or adding medications or starting a diet on your own.
How to bring intestinal inflammation to a halt is described very briefly and clearly by IQWiG in its information on the treatment of Crohn’s disease in adults.
“
“Various medications can be used to stop the inflammation in the intestines and relieve symptoms.”
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
“How is Crohn’s disease treated in adults?”, gesundheitsinformation.de, 2026
How does a medical evaluation work?
The evaluation of suspected intestinal inflammation follows a clear sequence: consultation and physical examination, blood and stool tests, imaging, and - if suspicion remains - a colonoscopy.
This sequence is not bureaucracy. Each step rules out possible causes and makes the next one more targeted. The following four tiles provide an overview of the process - they are explicitly not a treatment plan and do not replace medical advice.
Document symptoms
Record the date, frequency of bowel movements, pain, fever, weight, and nighttime symptoms for at least two weeks.
Get a medical assessment
Consultation, examination, blood and stool tests, ultrasound - and a colonoscopy if suspicion persists.
Starting and managing treatment
According to IQWiG (2026), various medications may be suitable. The treating practice decides which ones.
Staying stable between flare-ups
Attend follow-up appointments, continue documenting symptoms, and report changes early rather than waiting.
Why laboratory tests and stool samples come first
Blood and stool tests are readily available, place little burden on patients, and provide initial clues as to whether inflammation is present at all. They do not replace a diagnosis, but they substantially narrow down the possibilities.
It is important to distinguish this from commercial stool tests: an analysis of the gut flora does not measure inflammatory activity. See chapters 8 and 9 for more information.
What happens during a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination that makes the intestinal lining directly visible. For this to work, the bowel must be completely empty—that is why the preparation is so involved.
According to IQWiG (2021), depending on the appointment time, you drink a laxative with plenty of fluids on the evening before and/or the morning of the examination, a total of 2 to 4 liters. You must avoid solid food from 2 to 3 hours before taking the laxative until after the examination.
IQWiG (2021) describes the aim of the preparation in straightforward terms: by the end of the procedure, only clear liquid should be passed on the toilet. This medical bowel cleansing is the only justified procedure that deliberately empties the bowel—not a wellness program or a cleanse.
IQWiG (2021) provides specific figures on benefits and risks: an estimated 95% of carcinomas are detected by the examination; 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 men examined experience complications requiring treatment.
How is bowel inflammation treated?
Treatment for chronic inflammatory bowel disease must be handled exclusively by a doctor. According to IQWiG (2026), various medications may be suitable for stopping inflammation in the bowel and relieving symptoms.
This section describes which groups of active ingredients IQWiG mentions in its information on treating Crohn’s disease in adults. It does not assess or compare them, or provide dosages. The treating doctor decides which treatment is suitable—not a guide article or a self-test.
The treating doctor decides which treatment is suitable—not a guide article or a self-test.
What IQWiG says about an acute flare-up
According to IQWiG (2026), medications containing the active ingredient budesonide are particularly suitable for acute, relatively mild inflammation. The choice depends on the individual findings.
According to IQWiG (2026), a severe flare is initially treated with systemic glucocorticoids to stop the inflammation and ease symptoms. This describes medical practice; it is not a recommendation for you.
What IQWiG says about long-term treatment
After severe or repeated flares, long-term treatment with thiopurines, biologics, or small molecules is advisable, according to IQWiG (2026). This decision is made and monitored by the treating practice.
IQWiG (2026) also explicitly notes a limitation: glucocorticoids are not suitable for long-term use because they cause side effects. So if you’re wondering why treatment changes over time, this is part of the answer.
In addition to medication, experts recommend a diet rich in vegetables, with foods that are as fresh and minimally processed as possible, according to IQWiG (2026). This is an addition, not a replacement.
Why this article does not recommend a treatment
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases vary from person to person. The severity, affected section of the bowel, coexisting conditions, and previous treatments differ so much that a general recommendation would not be medically appropriate. A guide can serve a different purpose: explain the terms, make the process clear, and help you prepare questions to ask during your appointment.
Key point: According to IQWiG (2026), various medications can be considered for Crohn’s disease, from budesonide and systemic glucocorticoids to thiopurines, biologics, and small molecules. Only the treating practice can decide which medication is appropriate in an individual case.
Which misconceptions persist?
Two assumptions about intestinal inflammation come up particularly often in consultations, and both can lead to poor decisions. The same IQWiG information can clearly dispel both.
The misconception is understandable because diet can have a noticeable effect in everyday life: some foods are less well tolerated during a flare, while others are better tolerated. But tolerating a food is not the same as inflammation subsiding. A dietary change can ease symptoms, but it cannot cure an existing chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
The thinking behind this is usually well-intentioned: what helped during a flare should prevent the next one. If you feel that a treatment you started is ending too soon or continuing for too long, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Stopping, extending, or restarting it on your own is not an option.
What helps between flares?
Between flares, the goal is stability, not a cure: attend follow-up appointments, keep documenting symptoms, report changes early, and find a diet that works in everyday life.
According to IQWiG (2026), experts recommend a meal plan rich in vegetables, with foods that are as fresh and minimally processed as possible. The IQWiG information on ulcerative colitis (2026) describes the same approach: a diet with plenty of vegetables and as few animal products and highly processed foods as possible—in other words, meals made from fresh ingredients rather than ready meals.
It is important to put this statement in perspective: it describes a general dietary approach, not a treatment for an existing condition. The IQWiG information does not identify any diet that has been shown to affect an existing chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Fiber and fluid intake: what the evidence shows
In its reference values (as of 2021), the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends that adults consume at least 30 g of fiber a day. According to the DGE (2021), increased fiber intake has protective effects against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, colon and breast cancer, and the risk of death.
Regarding its effects in the gut, IQWiG (2026) explains in its information on diverticular disease that a high-fiber diet consists mainly of plenty of fruit, grains, vegetables, and legumes—it softens stool, increases stool volume, and stimulates digestion.
The evidence is presented cautiously: according to IQWiG (2026), initial studies suggest that a high-fiber diet may ease digestive symptoms associated with diverticular disease. “Initial evidence” is not proof—and this statement concerns diverticular disease, not Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Anyone who eats more fiber also needs to drink enough; IQWiG (2026) explicitly points this out. As a general guideline for regulating bowel movements, IQWiG (2025) recommends drinking 1.5 to 2 liters a day.
However, this does not automatically apply during an acute flare. What makes sense between flares may be poorly tolerated during one, so any changes when you already have a diagnosis should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Where this article ends – and what to read next
This article deliberately focuses on the steps to take and the course of events: suspected illness, assessment, treatment process, emergency warning signs, and the time between flare-ups. Diet is only put into context here, not discussed in detail.
The basics – which foods are often poorly tolerated during a flare-up and how to structure a suitable diet – are covered in the article Intestinal inflammation: what to eat?.
Practical ways to put this into practice in everyday life – shopping, preparation, eating out, and managing food tolerances over time – are covered in Diet for intestinal inflammation.
In brief
Between two flare-ups of chronic intestinal inflammation, the focus is on stability, not recovery. According to IQWiG (2026), experts recommend a diet rich in vegetables, with foods that are as fresh and minimally processed as possible; in its reference values (2021), the DGE recommends at least 30 g of dietary fiber per day for adults. The IQWiG information does not describe a diet proven to affect an existing chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Any dietary changes should therefore be discussed with the treating practice.
What can a microbiome analysis do – and when is it useful?
A microbiome analysis shows which bacteria can be detected in the gut and in what proportions. It does not measure inflammatory activity, provide a diagnosis, or replace any of the steps in Chapter 4.
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) explains why gut flora matters in its statement “Diet and Microbiome” (2021): According to the statement, bacterial diversity is considered a marker of a stable microbiome in healthy people. Protective bacteria break down carbohydrates and produce short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate.
Regarding the role of diet, the same DGE statement (2021) notes: Diet shapes the composition of bacteria – so it can be assumed that the type and amount of dietary fiber significantly influence the composition of the microbiome.
How mybody® categorizes microbiome analysis
mybody® (MYBODY Lab GmbH) offers gut flora analysis as a snapshot, not as a diagnostic procedure. The analysis is performed in an ISO-certified laboratory in Germany, and data processing is organized in compliance with the GDPR and ISO 27001.
For people with an existing inflammatory bowel disease, the order is clear: first medical evaluation and treatment, then - if at all - a supplementary assessment of gut flora.
Gut Flora MICROBIOME Test Complete
Using a stool sample and DNA sequencing, the test identifies over 1,500 bacterial species and describes bacterial diversity, the ratio of protective to potentially problematic microbes, signs of dysbiosis, as well as a FODMAP index and enterotype in its report. It explicitly does not do the following: It does not detect inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, a tumor or an infection - and it does not provide a diagnosis. Evaluation of intestinal inflammation belongs in a doctor's office.
Price: €189.00 (instead of €219.00) · Sample type: Stool sample · Processing time: approx. 20–25 business days after sample receipt · Laboratory: ISO-certified laboratory analysis, ISO 27001, GDPR-compliant
To the Complete Microbiome TestAll price and service information is current as of July 28, 2026. Prices, report details and processing times may change; the relevant product page is always authoritative.
Whether this kind of analysis makes sense for you can be answered either way. The comparison below therefore also lists cases where the test is the wrong choice.
It may be right for you if …
… you have already had a medical evaluation and would also like to use an assessment of your gut flora as a snapshot.
… you have no or few symptoms and want to change your diet over the long term - the DGE (2021) notes that the type and quantity of dietary fiber have a substantial influence on the composition of the microbiome.
… you would like a written baseline to refer to during a future nutrition consultation.
Probably not if …
… you are currently experiencing an acute flare-up or have any of the warning signs from Chapter 3: In that case, everything should be handled by a doctor, and sending a stool sample to a specialist lab will only cost you time.
… you want to manage an existing diagnosis: Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is guided by a doctor, not by a stool sample analyzing gut flora.
… you expect a diagnosis: The test does not detect intestinal inflammation, a tumor or an infection - if that is what you are looking for, you will not find it here.
Context: What an at-home test for intestinal inflammation cannot do
A gut flora home test provides a snapshot of the bacterial composition. It does not answer whether inflammation is present—and that is precisely the key question when intestinal inflammation is suspected.
A microbiome test cannot detect Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or an infection, celiac disease or a tumor. It does not measure inflammation markers and does not replace a colonoscopy.
Interpretation also has its limits. According to an expert assessment cited in the DGE statement “Nutrition and the Microbiome” (2021), it is not yet clear how a specific diet can influence the microbiome in a clearly defined way. So if you buy a test, you’re getting a snapshot, not a guide to how to control it.
Changing your diet is no substitute for treatment, either. IQWiG information on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (2026) describes a diet rich in vegetables and low in processed foods as a general guideline—not as a way to stop existing inflammation. And an informational article is no substitute for a doctor’s appointment.
Conclusion
Intestinal inflammation—what should I do? First document your symptoms, then get them assessed. For at least two weeks, note bowel movement frequency, pain, fever, weight, and nighttime symptoms, and make an appointment at a doctor’s office at the same time.
According to IQWiG (2023), significant weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or paleness mean you should not wait. According to IQWiG (2026), seek medical help promptly for severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdomen, fever, nausea, a racing heart, and general weakness; according to IQWiG (2025), call emergency services at 112 immediately for sudden, severe abdominal pain.
Treatment itself should be handled by a doctor. According to IQWiG (2026), various medications can be considered to stop the inflammation in the gut and relieve symptoms—the treating doctor decides which one is appropriate in each individual case.
Between flare-ups, keep up with checkups, continue documenting your symptoms, and follow a diet that works for you in everyday life. An analysis of the gut flora can provide a snapshot during this phase—but it is not a diagnostic procedure and does not replace medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Intestinal inflammation—what should I do first?
Write down your symptoms and make an appointment at a doctor’s office. It’s helpful to keep track of bowel movement frequency and consistency, pain, fever, weight, and nighttime symptoms for at least two weeks. If warning signs occur—according to IQWiG (2023), significant weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or paleness—seek medical assessment at a doctor’s office immediately.
When should I call emergency services for abdominal problems?
According to IQWiG (2025), call emergency services on 112 immediately if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain. Severe abdominal pain accompanied by a hard abdomen, fever, nausea, a racing heart, and general weakness is also a reason to seek medical help promptly, according to IQWiG (2026). Black stools or vomiting blood are considered warning signs of complications, according to IQWiG (2025).
Is irritable bowel syndrome the same as intestinal inflammation?
No. Irritable bowel syndrome is not caused by detectable inflammation. Typical symptoms, according to IQWiG (2023), include persistent abdominal or lower abdominal pain, cramps, and changes in bowel movements; estimates suggest that 10 to 20 out of 100 people have irritable bowel syndrome. According to IQWiG (2023), it is not dangerous, and many people affected manage without treatment.
Can changing your diet cure intestinal inflammation?
No. According to IQWiG (2026), various medications may be considered to stop the inflammation; in addition, experts recommend a diet rich in vegetables, with foods that are as fresh and minimally processed as possible. Changing your diet may relieve symptoms and make everyday life easier, but it does not replace medical treatment. The IQWiG information does not describe a diet that has been shown to affect an existing chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Is a microbiome test useful for intestinal inflammation?
Not for diagnosing intestinal inflammation. A microbiome test describes the composition of your gut flora, does not measure inflammatory activity, and does not provide a diagnosis. It cannot detect Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, an infection, or a tumor. It may be useful as a complementary snapshot during a period with few symptoms – but during an acute flare-up, everything should be handled by a doctor.
A snapshot of your gut flora
Once you’ve had a medical evaluation and want to get a better picture of your gut flora, you can find the test here, along with an overview of all gut analyses from mybody®.
View the Complete Microbiome Test All gut tests at a glanceYou might also be interested in
→ Intestinal inflammation: what to eat?
Which foods are often poorly tolerated during a flare-up and how to put together a suitable meal plan.
→ The most reliable microbiome tests for your gut flora
How to recognize a reliable gut flora analysis and what information a report should include.
→ Gut encyclopedia: all bacteria and markers in your gut flora
Reference guide with over 6,000 microbiome biomarkers – from protective bacteria and fiber metabolizers to the metrics in your test results.
Sources
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG): How is Crohn’s disease treated in adults? (2026) — gesundheitsinformation.de
- IQWiG: Crohn’s disease (2026) — gesundheitsinformation.de
- IQWiG: Ulcerative colitis (2026) — gesundheitsinformation.de
- IQWiG: Irritable bowel syndrome (2023) — gesundheitsinformation.de
- IQWiG: Diverticular disease and diverticulitis (2026) — gesundheitsinformation.de
- IQWiG: Colonoscopy (2021) — gesundheitsinformation.de
The direct quote about treatment, the groups of active ingredients mentioned, and the caveat regarding glucocorticoids come from [1]. Information on the frequency of Crohn’s disease and flare-up symptoms is based on [2], and information on ulcerative colitis on [3]. Warning signs, symptoms, and frequency of irritable bowel syndrome come from [4], information on diverticula and diverticulitis from [5], and information on colonoscopy preparation and benefits from [6]. Additional sources are cited in the text with the institution and year: IQWiG’s information pages “Diverticular disease: How are chronic symptoms treated?” (2026), “Stomach and duodenal ulcers” (2025), and “What can you do yourself about hemorrhoids?” (2025), as well as the reference values of the German Nutrition Society (DGE, 2021) and the DGE article “Nutrition and the microbiome” (2021). Product information is from the mybody® product pages, accessed on July 28, 2026.
mybody® Editorial & Expert Team
Gut health Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases Microbiome Laboratory diagnostics
This article was written and reviewed by the mybody® editorial and expert team. The team brings together expertise in nutrigenetics, microbiome and gut science, blood test interpretation, nutrition science, and laboratory diagnostics.
Published on July 28, 2026 · Last updated on July 28, 2026
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not contain treatment recommendations: The active ingredients and groups of active ingredients mentioned are presented solely for descriptive purposes and with source references. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat intestinal inflammation. If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, call emergency services at 112.
