May 19th is dedicated to worlds IBD Day annually, where nations all over the globe spread awareness and knowledge about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, a chronic recurrent, and often hidden disorder of many people worldwide. The day is the platform for raising awareness, breaking myths, and promoting early diagnosis and treatment for better quality-of-life issues.

What Is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of long-standing disorders that cause recurrent inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common ones are:

• Crohn's Disease - Can occur anywhere along the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, and tends to produce patchy deep swelling within the bowel wall.
• Ulcerative Colitis - It involves only the colon and rectum, so there is chronic inflammation only in the inner lining of the colon.

These disorders can generate extreme digestive symptoms and really severe consequences if left uncontrolled.

Common Signs of IBD

Symptoms may vary from person to person, but the most common are:

• Recurring or persistent diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Blood in stool
• Unexpected weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever in a few cases

IBD vs. IBS: Key Differences

IBD creates a lot of confusion with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; however, they are completely different:

• Although IBD establishes a physical inflammation and destruction of the intestine, it will show when performing diagnostic tests, like endoscopy or colonoscopy.
• IBS is a nonvisible, functional disorder that is typically caused by lifestyle, diet, or stress.

Even if both conditions cause the patient to experience changes in bowel habits as well as abdominal discomfort, only in the case of IBD will there be permanent complications and structural damage to the intestine.

What Causes IBD?

The exact cause of IBD is uncertain, though some factors associated with it might include:

• Genetics: Family history of IBD places the individual at a higher risk.
• Abnormal Immune Response: An abnormal immune response may trigger the attack of a diseased immune response on the GI tract.
• Environmental Factors: City life, not having balanced diet, some infections, and smoking have all been shown to increase risk.
• Imbalance of Gut Microbiome: It is believed that changes in gut microbes contribute to the initiation of the disease.

Who Is at Risk?

Anybody can develop the conditions at any age. However, this is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, and the risk factors are:

• Family history of Crohn's or colitis
• Living in a developed place or city
• Cigarette smoking (particularly for Crohn's disease)
• Usage of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Long-Term Complications of IBD

Unless treated or controlled, IBD may lead to serious medical problems such as:

• Strictures of the intestine (narrowing of the intestines)
• Fistulae (intra-organ holes without rupture)
• Malabsorption
• Intestinal iron deficiency
• Colorectal cancer risk
• Growth failure in children and adolescents

These complications can easily be prevented by early attention to warning signs and appropriate medical management.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosis of IBD is usually based on a combination of:

• Blood tests (for anemia and inflammation)
• Stool tests (to rule out infection)
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy (thin tube methods that may enter into the colon or small intestine directly)
• imaging tests, including CT scans, MRIs, or capsule endoscope

Treatment Options for IBD

There is no cure for IBD, but a range of treatments exist to control symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve quality of life. These include:

1. Medication:

• Anti-inflammatories (mesalamine)
• Corticosteroids (to control acute flare-ups)
• Immunosuppressants (drugs that prevent your immune system from attacking healthy cells and tissues by mistake)
• Biological therapy (anti-TNF agents)
• Antibiotics for infections or complications

2. Dietary Changes:

• Elimination of trigger foods
• Low-residue diets during flare-ups
• Sufficient nutrient intake (iron, calcium, vitamins)

3. Lifestyle Changes:

• Exercise a lot
• Managing stress properly
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

4. Surgery:

Surgery might be beneficial for very severe cases, such as removing injured parts of the intestine or the entire colon.

IBD and Mental Health

The mental pressure of chronic disease should not be underestimated. People living with IBD will frequently also experience:

• Depression and/or anxiety
• Social isolation
• Dread of flare-ups when in public areas
• Body image issues after surgery

Conclusion

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not only a stomach problem; it is a lifelong fight that affects every single aspect of a person's life. This World IBD Day, come together and raise awareness on early diagnosis and better living with IBD.

At Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, we believe every life matters, and raising awareness about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is crucial for better health outcomes.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. Any such discrepancies should be brought to the blogger's notice for correction.