The 19th of May of every year is “World IBD Day”, which is dedicated to raising awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) worldwide. People are often hesitant to talk about their bowel habits and seek medical care to correct the changes in their bowel habits, including persistent diarrhoea, passing blood in stools, grumbling sounds from the abdomen, and abdominal pain. They end up suffering in silence.
Before two decades, most doctors considered IBD a Western disease. However, India is witnessing a steady increase in IBD cases in children and adults. World IBD Day provides a chance to raise awareness about this disease.
What is IBD?
IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal disease characterised by inflammation (redness and swelling) and ulcers in the affected parts of the digestive system. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are combinedly called IBD. The main difference between these two conditions is that Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth to anus), while ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine (colon and rectum).
Are IBD and IBS the same?
IBD should not be confused with IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is another condition that affects the intestines.
Why is it important to diagnose IBD early?
A delay in diagnosing IBD can lead to complications due to permanent damage to the intestines. Moreover, IBD can also increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What are the symptoms of IBD?
The symptoms of IBD can be confused with the symptoms of recurrent digestive infections, abdominal tuberculosis, or recurrent diarrhoea. Symptoms to look out for are:
- Recurrent or persistent loose stools
- Blood in stools
- Grumbling noise from the abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Extreme tiredness from loss of blood
- Vitamin deficiencies
What causes IBD?
The exact cause is unclear. But people with IBD may have immune systems working differently or incorrectly against the environmental triggers, including bacteria and viruses.
What are the risk factors for IBD?
- Urbanisation with improvement in people's living standards is considered a risk factor for IBD, as this condition is rarely seen in villages.
- Westernisation of the Indian diet
- Diets low in fibre and high in animal protein
- Consumption of refined and processed foods
- Environmental triggers, which are not fully understood
- Changes in the gut microbial composition
- Genetics and family history
How to diagnose and treat IBD?
It is important to seek medical care from a medical gastroenterologist when there are changes in bowel habits, as these symptoms are often confused with other digestive disorders. A thorough evaluation of symptoms and relevant tests can help diagnose IBD and provide the right treatment.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help the vast majority of patients with IBD lead a normal life. Thus, raising awareness of IBD can help provide early diagnosis and timely intervention, which are key to altering disease outcomes for the better.
Takeaway points
IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal condition mainly characterised by changes in bowel movements. Untreated IBD can lead to other complications and increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness about IBD for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
How can Bangalore Gastro Centre help?
The team of top gastroenterologists at the Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals in HSR Layout are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating IBD and its complications. The multidisciplinary team of the best gastro doctors, nutritionists, gastrointestinal psychologists, immunologists, and endoscopy technicians will work together to provide 360-degree care.
The best gastro hospital also provides colonoscopy test in Bangalore to determine the extent of inflammation and damage in the intestines and offer the best and most tailored treatment.
