Women, adolescents and young adults are most affected; There is no cure for these conditions, but early diagnosis is important to control discomfort
According to a study published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health Americas, in 2022, the number of people diagnosed with inflammatory diseases intestinal (IBD) in Brazil have increased by 233% in eight years, going from 30 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in 2012 to 100.1 cases per 100 thousand people in 2020. The research, considered one of the most extensive on the topic in the Brazilian context, has involved the participation of 212 thousand patients from Unified Health System (SUS).
With more than 5 million people affected worldwide, IBD is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.
The most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and the Ulcerative colitis, which mainly affect adolescents and young adults. As regards specifically these pathologies, the research shows that Crohn’s cases have increased by 167.4%, from 12.6 in 2012, to 33.7 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in 2020. Ulcerative colitis has increased even more : 257.6%, going from 15.8 to 56.5 cases per 100,000 people, in the same period.
It is important to highlight that the study involved the participation of a total of 212,026 people. Of these, 119,700 were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, 71,321 with Crohn’s disease, and 21,005 did not receive a specific diagnosis, being classified as “inflammatory bowel disease” due to the presence of symptoms attributable to both main pathologies.
Also according to the study, prevalence rates in 2020 were higher in the South and Southeast regions than in the North and Northeast. In the State of São Paulo and Espírito Santo, for example, 52.6 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants and 38.2 per 100 thousand inhabitants were recorded respectively. Meanwhile, in Piauí, in the north of the country, rates were lower, at just 12.8 cases per 100,000 people.
“The prevalence in some states of the country is comparable to that of countries in North America and Europe. The exponential increase in cases may be related to Westernized lifestyle, diet and genetic profile of patients”, analyzes Paulo Gustavo Kotze, full member of the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology (SBCP) and one of the authors of the research.
Considering the spike in cases, the SBCP highlights the importance of identifying IBD, which still has unknown causes and has no definitive cure. “Our main goal is early diagnosis, because, even if we do not yet have a definitive cure for inflammatory bowel diseases, effective and early treatment can promote better life quality to the patient, and can even lead to remission of symptoms”, underlines the president of the SBCP, Helio Moreira.
What are the main characteristics of IBD?
Second Ministry of Health, inflammatory intestinal diseases are characterized by a series of symptoms that mainly affect the colon, the part of the intestine responsible for extracting water and mineral salts from digested food, as well as the absorption of vitamins such as K, B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin). These vitamins are produced by the over 700 species of bacteria that make up our intestinal flora.
In the case of Crohn’s disease, it predominantly affects the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and large intestine (colon), but can affect any corner of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is chronic and therefore progresses slowly. It is generally caused by a dysregulation of the immune system, i.e. the body’s defense system (which is why it is included in the group of autoimmune diseases).
Ulcerative colitis, like Crohn’s disease, is also chronic and autoimmune. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation that mainly affect the mucosa of the colon, the layer that lines and protects the walls of the intestine. The disease can begin at any age, but is most common between the ages of 20 and 40.
Causes and risk factors
The causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not completely known. Several factors are believed to contribute to its occurrence. These include family history, changes in the immune system, changes in intestinal flora, diet and environmental influences. Smoking is a proven risk factor, especially for worsening Crohn’s disease.
I study “Gut microbiome: profound implications for diet and disease“, published in the journal Nutrients, reveals that the composition of the gut microbiota – a set of microorganisms that aid digestion – is different in Crohn’s disease patients compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests that these changes could play a significant role in specific development of this disease.
Symptoms
Among the most frequent symptoms we remember:
- Chronic diarrhea with the presence of blood, mucus or pus;
- Abdominal cramps;
- Difficulty controlling stools;
- Lack of appetite;
- Tiredness;
- Weight loss.
In more severe cases, anemia, fever, malnutrition and abdominal swelling may also occur. Between 15% and 30% of patients may still develop symptoms outside of the intestine, such as joint pain, skin rashes or eye problems.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of IBD is made through analysis of the patient’s clinical and laboratory history, endoscopic tests (such as upper digestive endoscopy and colonoscopy) with biopsies, and imaging tests (such as tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) .
Although there is not yet a definitive cure, adequate treatment, especially at the beginning of the disease, allows inflammation and symptoms to be controlled, reaching and maintaining the so-called ‘clinical remission’.
In the initial phase, topical anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and injectable drugs, such as immunotherapy. In the maintenance phase the drugs may be the same, with the exception of corticosteroids, due to their side effects. Immunosuppressants, drugs that inhibit or attenuate the action of the immune system, may also be included in this phase.
«Diet plays a fundamental role. Good eating habits can prevent flare-ups, prevent disease progression, and maintain remission. However, the diet must be personalized, considering the patient’s disease status and stage, and is often guided by a multidisciplinary team, including doctors and nutritionists,” the SBCP stressed.
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.
