Chronic conditions cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, impacting quality of life
May is considered Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public knowledge and promote solidarity among those affected by these debilitating conditions.
These gastrointestinal tract disorders represent a serious global public health challenge, affecting more than five million people worldwide. In Brazil, the reality is no less worrying: it is estimated that there are around 100 new diagnoses per 100,000 inhabitants every year, according to data provided by the Brazilian Organization for Crohn’s Disease and Colitis (GEDIIB).
Inflammatory bowel diseases include chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. “The main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” explains Dr. Thiago Cornelio, digestive system surgeon at the Hospital Evangélico de Sorocaba (HES).
While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tractFrom mouth to anus, ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation limited to the colon and rectum.
Causes of inflammatory bowel diseases
Factors that may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease include a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, changes in the gut microbiota, and environmental factors such as diet, fatigue and smoking. “Although the exact cause is not yet fully understood, it is believed that these factors interact in a complex way, leading to chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract,” says the doctor.
Diagnosis of these conditions
According to him, the diagnosis of these conditions is complex and requires detailed evaluation of medical history, physical examinations and various complementary tests. “Major challenges in diagnosis include the similarity of symptoms to other gastrointestinal diseases, which can lead to delays in correct diagnosis,” says Dr. Thiago Cornelio. They are generally characterized by symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, urgency to defecate, abdominal cramps, fatigue and weight loss.
Treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases
Treatment of the condition focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. It includes a variety of medications, nutritional therapies and, in severe cases, surgery to remove the affected areas of the intestine.
Prevent inflammatory bowel diseases
Dr. Thiago Cornelio states that, currently, there is no proven strategy to prevent inflammatory bowel diseases, since the causes refer to a combination of several different factors. However, diet and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing these conditions.
Avoid foods that trigger symptoms, maintain adequate nutrition, avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol contribute significantly to the control of symptoms. “Furthermore, regular exercise and stress management techniques can improve quality of life and potentially influence the course of the disease,” concludes the doctor.
By Giuliana Moreno
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
