Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease is an ongoing episodic condition that causes inflammation of the wall of the bowel, with any part of the digestive tract potentially affected from the mouth through the anus. It more commonly affects the small intestine and disrupts the digestion and absorbtion process. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intenstine causing inflammation of the internal lining.
Symptoms and characteristics:
Inflammatory bowel disease is not considered progressive, but fluctuates with 'flare ups' and remissions. Each person experiences the disease differently depending on the location and severity of the inflammation within the digestive tract. TIme between flare ups and recovery time expected vary and are difficult to predict.
Over the long term, reduced absorption of food nutrients can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea sometimes with blood loss in stool or constipation
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- deficiencies in proteins and vitamins resulting in malnutrition and impaired growth.
Other complications can include:
- blockage of the intestine
- skin problems including skin rashes or mouth ulcers
- fever.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
Easy access to bathroom facilities is recommended in the workplace for those with inflammatory bowel disease. This may require re-positioning of a workstation to enable individuals to use the toilet as often as required discreetly. Flexible work conditions to accommodate temporary reduced hours and leave for treatment or recovery purposes may also be necessary. Other considerations may include allowing individuals to undertake work from home or hospital via remote computer access and mobile phone if suitable to the job role. For more information on accommodating someone with inflammatory bowel disease in the workplace see the links below:
Generally, when individuals with inflammatory bowel disease are well, no workplace adjustments will be required.
If modifications are required within the workplace to accommodate an employee with inflammatory bowel disease, employers may be eligible for free workplace assessments and modifications through the Employment Assistance Fund. The Employment Assistance Fund pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment for employees with disability. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
References:
Australian Crohn's & Colitis Association (ACCA) 2009, What is Crohn's?, The Australian Crohn's & Colitis Association, Melbourne, viewed 28 April 2010, <http://www.acca.net.au/>
Australian Crohn's & Colitis Assocation (ACCA) 2009, What is ulcerative colitis?, The Australian Crohn's & Colitis Association, Melbourne, viewed 28 April 2010, <http://www.acca.net.au/>
Better Health Channel 2008, Crohn's and Colitis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne viewed 9 January 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Crohn's_and_colitis?open>.
Better Health Channel 2008, Crohn's and Colitis, State Govenment of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 28 April 2010, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2?bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Crohn's_colitis_complications?OpenDocument>.