Uniting The World Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease: World IBD Day 2024
World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day is observed annually on May 19th to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease world wide. As depicted by this year theme “IBD has no borders” it was initially perceived as a disease that affects only developed countries, but recent findings have suggested otherwise.
IBD is an umbrella term for chronic conditions that involve inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD affects millions of people worldwide, and World IBD Day serves as a platform to unite patients, healthcare providers, and the general public in the fight against this debilitating disease.
Some simple but effective ways we can fight this illness include:
Raises awareness: World IBD Day aims to educate the public about the realities of living with IBD, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Shows support: The day serves as a source of encouragement and support for those living with IBD, letting them know they are not alone.
Advocates for a cure: World IBD Day advocates for ongoing research to find a cure for IBD and improve the quality of life for patients.
There’s currently no cure for IBD, but medications along with dietary and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Irritable bowel syndrome which are the symptoms experienced by someone with IBD can be classified into 3 subtypes.
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
This condition is earmarked by symptoms that flare up and recede, like stomach pain, cramps, gastrointestinal (GI) gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
IBS can be challenging to live with, but there are steps you can take to make it manageable.
Dietary changes: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods can be very helpful for managing IBS symptoms. Common trigger foods include fatty foods, spicy foods, dairy products, and foods high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols).
Lifestyle changes: Exercise, stress management, and getting enough sleep can all help to improve IBS symptoms.
Medications: There are a number of medications that can help to relieve IBS symptoms, such as antidiarrheal medications, laxatives, and pain relievers.
Psychotherapy: Therapy can help you to identify and manage stress, which can worsen IBS symptoms.
If you think you may have IBS, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) alongside gastroenterologists and other healthcare providers. Their expertise in medications allows them to contribute to various aspects of IBD care, including:
Medication education: Pharmacists can educate patients about their IBD medications, including how to take them properly, potential side effects, and how to interact with other medications or supplements.
Medication monitoring: Pharmacists can monitor patients for medication adherence and effectiveness, as well as identify and manage potential side effects.
Optimizing therapy: Pharmacists can collaborate with physicians to optimize IBD treatment plans, considering factors like medication efficacy, adherence, and cost.
Patient support: Pharmacists can provide ongoing support and guidance to IBD patients, addressing their concerns and ensuring they feel comfortable managing their condition.
By Jude Okpechukwu
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 19). World IBD Day. https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/features/world-ibd-day.html
Feagan, B. G., & Loftus, J. L. (2020). Management of inflammatory bowel disease: Update 2020. Crohn’s & Colitis Journal, 5(2), otad018. https://academic.oup.com/crohnscolitis360/article/5/2/otad018/7121024
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). IBD Pharmacists. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ibdpharmacists
Healthline. (2023, October 26). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Medical News Today. (2023, April 13). Seven lifestyle changes that may reduce IBS symptoms. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320876
Healthline. (2023, August 21). Sleep, Exercise, and Avoiding Cigarettes Are Key to Reducing IBS Risk. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/sleep-exercise-and-avoiding-cigarettes-are-key-to-reducing-ibs-risk
Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 27). Irritable bowel syndrome — Diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360064
NYU Langone Health. (n.d.). Stress Reduction for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.https://nyulangone.org/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatments/stress-reduction-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome
Ettinger, L. A. (2023, March 3). The Pharmacist’s Role in Biologic Management for IBD in a Health-System Integrated Practice Model. Pharmacy Times. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-pharmacists-role-in-biologic-management-for-ibd-in-a-health-system-integrated-practice-model
