SEARCH
Rate of Crohn's and Colitis in Edinburgh increases
The study, published in scientific journal Gut and led by Dr Charlie Lees and Dr Gareth-Rhys Jones, found that Crohn’s affects 284 people out of every 100,000 in Edinburgh, and Colitis affects 432 people out of every 100,000.
The team use data from primary and secondary care, as well as a paediatric registry to conduct their research and health records to confirm their findings.
The figure is significantly higher than the 1 in 210 people said to be living with Crohn’s and Colitis in the UK, although there is growing evidence that this figure has changed in recent years.
We feel this work highlights clearly the current and future scale of IBD; a condition we see disrupting the lives of patients and their families all too frequently. This will not only generate increased public awareness but also drive the necessary resources for the research, treatment and care patients deserve.
Dr Charlie Lees, a consultant gastroenterologist in the Edinburgh IBD Unit, added: “There is no doubt that IBD is now becoming a global pandemic, with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis more common across the world. This work shows just how big the problem has become, not just in Edinburgh, but across much of the western world. This study provides much-needed data and can act as a launchpad for pivotal new studies to help patients.”
Sarah Sleet, CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, said: “This important study contributes to the growing evidence that the prevalence of IBD is significantly higher than currently recognised. Crohn’s and Colitis are a hidden and growing health crisis and the number of people living with the conditions is huge. Crohn’s & Colitis UK are currently undertaking a prevalence study and we are looking forward to seeing how UK wide results compare to the Edinburgh wide results in this research next year. These shocking higher figures must influence decision making in the NHS, and push forward the case for increased resources, improvements to IBD services and ultimately better care for people with Crohn’s and Colitis.”
Read our latest news
Catch up on the latest news from Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.