In a newspaper article last month discussing Crohn's and Colitis UK's campaign to improve employment prospects for those with Crohn's disease it was mentioned that that many employers in the UK aren't fully aware of the needs of those with the condition.
This lack of awareness can make working life hard for those with Crohn's disease, but in the same way that a few workplace adjustments could make a big difference to those with Crohn's disease - a little awareness amongst friends and colleagues can go a long way.
What is Crohn's disease, then? Most of us probably know that it affects the digestive system, although since the symptoms can on occasion be similar to other types of illness, some of us may be unsure about what it actually involves.
And since Gut Week recently took place, now's a good time to find out more about Crohn's: Crohn's facts - some background on the condition.
Crohn's disease causes a chronic inflammation of the bowel, with symptoms most commonly present in the lower parts of the gut, but it can affect any area of the digestive system, usually in people between the ages of 15 and 40.
These symptoms include, diarrhoea, tiredness, recurring stomach pain, fevers, and weight loss, and can lead to anaemia or vitamin deficiencies.
The damage Crohn's can cause to the digestive system may also result in further problems, such as the narrowing of the colon or in severe cases an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer.
About eighty percent of Crohn's disease sufferers will require surgery at some point to help improve their condition.
Making life easier for those with Crohn's Obviously, these symptoms can disrupt the everyday lives of people with the illness, as well as leaving some people feeling unable to manage their symptoms at work.
But there are often changes which could make things easier, and some may find that having an understanding boss, the chance to work flexible hours or carrying a Can't Wait card (designed to help emergency access to toilets in public places) can make things that bit easier.
There are also some treatments and changes in diet which can help to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, allowing most people with symptoms to live a relatively normal life.
The most appropriate course of action of course varies from person to person, and is decided by specialists, doctors and dieticians.
If you would like to join discussions about Crohn's Disease, you can log onto the Crohn's Disease UK website forum.
There are also many online resources available if you want to find out more about Crohns, such as those provided by the Crohn's and Colitis UK charity (NACC).
This lack of awareness can make working life hard for those with Crohn's disease, but in the same way that a few workplace adjustments could make a big difference to those with Crohn's disease - a little awareness amongst friends and colleagues can go a long way.
What is Crohn's disease, then? Most of us probably know that it affects the digestive system, although since the symptoms can on occasion be similar to other types of illness, some of us may be unsure about what it actually involves.
And since Gut Week recently took place, now's a good time to find out more about Crohn's: Crohn's facts - some background on the condition.
Crohn's disease causes a chronic inflammation of the bowel, with symptoms most commonly present in the lower parts of the gut, but it can affect any area of the digestive system, usually in people between the ages of 15 and 40.
These symptoms include, diarrhoea, tiredness, recurring stomach pain, fevers, and weight loss, and can lead to anaemia or vitamin deficiencies.
The damage Crohn's can cause to the digestive system may also result in further problems, such as the narrowing of the colon or in severe cases an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer.
About eighty percent of Crohn's disease sufferers will require surgery at some point to help improve their condition.
Making life easier for those with Crohn's Obviously, these symptoms can disrupt the everyday lives of people with the illness, as well as leaving some people feeling unable to manage their symptoms at work.
But there are often changes which could make things easier, and some may find that having an understanding boss, the chance to work flexible hours or carrying a Can't Wait card (designed to help emergency access to toilets in public places) can make things that bit easier.
There are also some treatments and changes in diet which can help to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, allowing most people with symptoms to live a relatively normal life.
The most appropriate course of action of course varies from person to person, and is decided by specialists, doctors and dieticians.
If you would like to join discussions about Crohn's Disease, you can log onto the Crohn's Disease UK website forum.
There are also many online resources available if you want to find out more about Crohns, such as those provided by the Crohn's and Colitis UK charity (NACC).