Media Release

Udupi, May 20: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital had organized Patient Awareness and Education programme on inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on May 19 in association with CCF (Crohns and Colitis Foundation) and Cipla. Every year May 19 is observed as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) awareness day. This year’s theme for IBD day was 'IBD has no age' with a focus on elderly people (60 plus) and see how living with Crohn´s disease and Ulcerative Colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is impacting on their quality of life and care.

Dr Shiran Shetty, dead, department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Kasturba Hospital gave awareness and patients education talk and said, IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a group of disorders related to intestine. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most types of inflammatory bowel diseases. The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is the inflammation of the digestive tract. The risk factors may include genetics, age, a weak immune system. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two main subtypes of IBD. A characteristic feature of ulcerative colitis is that it affects only the large intestine, while Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract. However, Crohn’s disease most frequently affects the small and large intestine. IBD tends to occur in young people between the ages of 15-30 years.

The severity of symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Common symptoms of IBD include diarrhea, blood in stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, etc. Sometimes IBD could lead to inflammation in body parts outside the digestive tract. Diagnosis is done by endoscopic evaluation like gastroscopy, colonoscopy and biopsies apart from routine blood and stool test. Treatment methods range from medications to surgery and including dietary and lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise and quitting habits such as smoking and drinking are also recommended.