World IBD Day: IBD Has No Borders, Breaking Taboos, Talking About It

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  Share

The prevalence of lifestyle diseases has experienced a global rise in recent years. Poor dietary preferences and sedentary lifestyles have led to an increase in the number of gastrointestinal complications. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or IBD, primarily include Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. They are more common in developed countries, especially North America and Europe. However, the incidence of IBD has been increasing in newly industrialised countries such as Asia, South America, and Africa.

The major challenge in developing countries is the significant lack of awareness regarding gastrointestinal issues. People often hesitate to discuss their gastric problems. The European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) collaborated with various patient organisations in over 50 countries, dedicating May 19 as World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day to address this grave concern.

This article will explain the significance of IBD awareness and the ways to cope with IBD, particularly Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

What is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day?

World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day is observed annually on 19 May. This global awareness day aims to unite people affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as IBD), raise awareness about these conditions. It also advocates for better support and treatment.

What is the Theme for World IBD Day 2025?

The official theme for World IBD Day 2025 is "IBD Has No Borders: Breaking Taboos, Talking About It". The focus is on educating the masses about the global nature of IBD. It encourages open conversations around gastrointestinal issues, overcoming the silence and stigma often associated with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

What are the Objectives of World IBD Day?

The main objective of this event is to raise awareness regarding various types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Additionally, World IBD Day aims to:

• Raising global awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Sharing information about the impact of IBD on individuals' lives.
• Providing support and resources for people living with IBD.
• Promoting research and improving healthcare for IBD patients.

What are the Different Types of IBD?

There are two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

The table below elaborates on the key differences between the two main types of IBD:

Why is it Important to Raise Awareness of IBD?

In common occurrences, people often take gastric diseases humorously, despite their far-reaching detrimental impact on our health. Hence, raising awareness about IBD is crucial for:

• Early diagnosis and treatment.
• Reducing stigma and misconceptions.
• Improving support and resources for patients.
• Advocating for research and better healthcare policies.

How to Participate in World IBD Day 2025?

Purple is the theme colour for World IBD Day 2025. Therefore, you can exhibit your sincere support by wearing a purple band or a ribbon and encouraging others to raise awareness regarding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Here are some effective ways to accomplish this goal:

• Conduct educational campaigns and events to inform the public about IBD.
• Create social media campaigns using relevant hashtags like #WorldIBDDay.
• Organise fundraising for research and patient support services.
• Sharing personal stories to increase understanding and empathy.

Further, you must educate the masses about the symptoms of IBD such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?

Some easily noticeable symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are listed below:

• Persistent Diarrhoea: Frequent and often urgent bowel movements.
• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Pain in the abdomen can range from mild to severe.
• Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool, often a sign of inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss due to reduced appetite.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.

For more detailed information on IBD symptoms, visit: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What are the Factors Responsible for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

While the exact causes of IBD are not fully understood, several factors are thought to contribute:

• Genetic factors (family history of IBD).
• Immune system dysfunction.
• Environmental factors.

Where to Get Information Related to World IBD Day Events?

You can get in touch with various organisations that are involved in propagating IBD awareness, and some of them are listed below: 

• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
• European Federation of Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA).
• Additionally, you can contact national IBD patient organizations in various countries, as well as medical and research institutions focused on gastroenterology.

The easiest way to learn about events from these organizations is to contact your nearest gastroenterologist for information on World IBD Day events.

Can IBD Cause Cancer in the Digestive Tract?

Yes, untreated Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis may lead to colorectal cancer. Chronic inflammation in the intestinal lining, particularly in the ileum region, where nutrients are absorbed, damages the epithelial tissue of the intestine, triggering malignant cell growth. 

How to Treat IBD Effectively?

You can easily cope with Inflammatory Bowel Disease through early diagnosis and treatment. Besides timely IBD treatment, you must make some healthy changes in your lifestyle to get rid of IBD, which may include:

• Dietary Adjustments: Identify and avoid junk foods that trigger the symptoms of IBD, such as high-fat, low-fibre foods. 
• Stay Hydrated: During worsening conditions, fluid intake should be increased by drinking plenty of water and consuming fruits and veggies rich in water content.
• Nutritional Supplements: Due to potential nutrient deficiencies with IBD, consult your healthcare provider about appropriate nutraceuticals, such as vitamins and minerals.
• Stress Management: Practice techniques like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise to help reduce stress. 
• Abstain from Smoking: Smoking can worsen IBD symptoms, especially for Crohn's disease, making avoidance essential.

Besides taking care of your health and leading a good lifestyle, you should plan for your financial health against medical emergencies that may arise due to a critical illness such as cancer.

Shield Your Financial Health with a Critical Illness Plan

No matter how health-conscious you are, your body can be vulnerable to a critical illness at any point in time. Despite practicing healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, certain unknown factors might lead to a critical disease such as colorectal cancer. To cope with the high medical costs of treating a critical illness, you must be well prepared with a comprehensive critical illness plan. When choosing a health insurance plan, you must ensure that it includes coverage for pre and post-hospitalization expenses. Additionally, consider benefits such as a reduction in waiting periods.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.