Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
22 July 2014 09:30
Crohn's sufferers can now work measure their tiredness on a new fatigue scale
People who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's can now measure the level of their fatigue with a newly developed scale.
Crohn's and Colitis UK has launched the new IBD Fatigue Scale in collaboration with experts at the Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, King's College London and University College London.
IBD, which is thought to affect more people in the UK than Parkinson's or MS, comes in two forms - ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Sufferers typically experience abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss, and half of all patients with IBD in remission and 70% of those with active IBD suffer from extreme tiredness or fatigue.
Fatigue can be particularly unpleasant on holiday, when the effects of jetlag or long car journeys can add to the tiredness. Travellers with the condition may wish to consider taking out pre-existing medical travel insurance for Crohn's before embarking on their journey.
Jon Murray, from Reading, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis nearly two years ago. The condition causes the inner lining of the rectum and colon to become inflamed and ulcerated.
The 29-year-old told Get Reading that his chronic fatigue leaves him feeling "like a zombie".
Helen Terry, director of patient support and information at Crohn's and Colitis UK, said some health experts do not know how badly people suffering from IBDs can be affected by fatigue.
She said everyone with the condition should tell their doctors about the fatigue they are experiencing, and they should use the IBD Fatigue Scale to allow them to "formally discuss their fatigue" with their healthcare professionals.
23 September 2016
Theresa May is being urged to give the go-ahead for flights to resume between the UK and Sharm el-Sheikh by the head of the cross-party parliamentary group on Egypt.
[more...]
22 September 2016
Budget airline Jet2.com is to open its first base in the south of England at Stansted.
21 September 2016
Smoking rates have dropped to the lowest level on record in England, new figures show, suggesting messages about the health effects of cigarettes are hitting home.
20 September 2016
Concerns have been raised over flight disruptions caused by heavy drinking among passengers.
17 September 2016
British Airways' decision to launch direct flights from London to Tehran earlier this month positions Iran as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2017, according to experts.
16 September 2016
More than 100 flights have been cancelled as French air traffic controllers go on strike again.
15 September 2016
Two thirds of MPs would support an expansion at Heathrow.
14 September 2016
TripAdvisor is launching a new homepage, making the booking of holiday activities and tours even easier.
13 September 2016
Travellers are to be charged to use fast lanes to get through passport checks in an attempt to cut queues.
09 September 2016
People travelling to regions affected by the Zika virus outbreak should practise safe sex for at least half a year upon their return, health leaders say.
08 September 2016
British Airways is apologising to passengers for delays after an IT glitch hit check-in systems.
07 September 2016
Tiny particles that are breathed in and taken into the brain through air pollution could trigger Alzheimer's disease, research finds.