Bile Acid Diarrhoea (BAD) UK


An estimated 1 million people in the UK are living with Bile Acid Diarrhoea (BAD). BAD UK are the UK’s leading charity for information, help and support in dealing with Bile Acid Diarrhoea.

THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE:

  • painful watery and explosive chronic diarrhoea
  • urgently needing the toilet / having accidents (faecal incontinence)
  • numerous bowel movements a day often occurring during the night
  • foul smelling diarrhoea which is yellow / greasy in appearance
  • excessive wind
  • painful stomach cramps
  • moderate to severe bloating

Currently the condition is not very well known due to there being limited access to diagnostic
testing and a general lack of awareness amongst doctors and the general public resulting in
people having undiagnosed symptoms for many years, undergoing repeated unnecessary
investigations causing a significant and prolonged negative impact on quality of life and self
esteem. Following diagnosis people are treated with bile acid sequestrants and dietary
adaptations which helps to improve symptoms although many report that they continue to
experience ongoing problems due to lack of support from their GP or consultant or treatment
options do not seem to work for them.

However, there is good news, in recent years this has begun to change with more research
being undertaken into the condition and an increasing awareness growing slowly within the
medical world about both the need for earlier diagnosis and more understanding into the
effectiveness of current treatment options.

BAD UK have developed a website with information to support people in having the test for BAD and adjusting to living with BAD. We are also growing our support groups over the UK and
have a Facebook forum where people can chat to others with the condition. We work closely
with NHS specialists in bile acid diarrhoea to ensure the patients voice is high on the clinical
agenda for BAD diagnosis and treatment pathways to be improved. We are also beginning to
grow the patients perspective in research priorities for BAD and are working with Trent
University and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire to grow our Patient and Public
Involvement in Research.

Visit the BAD UK website for more information

Join BAD UK on Twitter