The management of inflammatory bowel disease in the UK Armed Forces

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease is the umbrella term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Diagnosis is assisted by thorough history-taking, examination and targeted investigations, but endoscopic analysis is required to confirm the diagnosis. Multiple challenges exist in the deployed environment and, depending on the level of care available, repatriation may be required. In the deployed environment, prior to diagnosis, isolation in case of an infective cause of symptoms is key, along with close monitoring and symptomatic management. Inflammatory bowel disease is a bar to selection to the UK Armed Forces, but service may continue in some cases if diagnosis occurs during a military career. Due to high relapse rates, severity of symptoms and side effects of therapies, continued military service may not be possible in the long term.