Maio Roxo raises awareness about inflammatory bowel diseases

O Purple May is the period dedicated to raising awareness about the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic conditions affect millions of people globally, with debilitating symptoms that have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

Awareness about IBD is essential for several reasons. Firstly, Many people are unaware of these conditions and its symptoms, making it essential to inform the population about the topic.

Additionally, IBD patients often face stigmas and misconceptions due to the invisible nature of their conditions. Therefore, public dialogue can play a crucial role in understanding these disorders.

Awareness is also important for advocating for resources and support for IBD patients, including funding for research, access to appropriate treatments, and developing support networks.

During the month of May, a series of activities are organized around the world to increase discussion about IBD, including public outreach events, social media campaigns, educational seminars and fundraising for research.

What are inflammatory bowel diseases?

Inflammatory bowel diseases represent a set of chronic conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, marked by persistent and recurrent inflammation. Among the most common are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

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A Crohn’s disease It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and is characterized by inflammation that penetrates deep layers of intestinal tissue.

Already the ulcerative colitis It specifically affects the large intestine and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcer formation in the intestinal mucosa.

+Read also: How to deal with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

The exact causes of IBD are not yet completely understood, but genetic, environmental and immunological factors play an important role in its development. Furthermore, factors such as diet and lifestyle can also influence the course of the disease.

Symptoms of IBD can vary widely from person to person and include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. These symptoms may be intermittent and alternate between periods of remission and bouts of disease activity.

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How are inflammatory bowel diseases treated?

The diagnosis of IBD generally involves a combination of clinical, endoscopic, radiological and laboratory tests.

Once diagnosed, treatment aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. This may include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biological response modifiers and, in some cases, surgery.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes such as proper diet, stress management, and quitting smoking can play an important role in managing IBD.

And while IBD can pose a significant challenge for those living with these conditions, continued advances in understanding the disease and developing new therapies offer hope for a better quality of life and prognosis for patients in the future.