Don't Wait Until 50 for a Colonoscopy: Why You Should Get Tested Quickly If You Suspect Bowel Disease.

The Increasing Trend of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

With the rapid changes in modern society, our dietary habits are becoming more Westernized. These changes can significantly impact health, particularly with the increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among younger people. Over the past five years, there has been a reported increase of over 30% in IBD cases among people in their 20s to 40s. This is not just a numerical issue but a serious problem that can threaten the quality of life and life itself.

 

Inflammatory bowel disease mainly consists of two major conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammation, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. These diseases typically develop at a young age and can lead to severe complications like bowel obstruction or perforation if symptoms worsen.

 

Inflammatory bowel disease is a significant threat to modern health, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential.

 

Causes and Risk Factors of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors, immune responses, imbalances in gut microbiota, and environmental factors. Westernized diets, in particular, are identified as a major risk factor for these diseases. Excessive consumption of fatty, spicy, and salty foods can induce inflammation in the intestines, harming gut health.

 

• Genetic Factors: If there is a family history, the probability of developing inflammatory bowel disease is higher. Research shows that about 15% of IBD patients have a family history of the disease.
• Immune Response: An abnormal immune system response plays a crucial role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. An excessive immune response to gut bacteria can trigger inflammation.
• Gut Microbiota: Disruption in the balance of healthy gut microbiota can lead to inflammatory bowel disease. Increases in harmful bacteria or decreases in beneficial bacteria can promote intestinal inflammation.
• Environmental Factors: Stress, smoking, and the use of antibiotics can increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Smoking, in particular, is known to increase the incidence of Crohn's disease.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is primarily made through a colonoscopy, along with an evaluation of the patient's symptoms, blood tests, tissue tests, and imaging tests. Early diagnosis is important for increasing the chances of successful treatment and preventing complications.

 

The main goals of treatment are symptom relief and maintaining remission (a period of symptom stability). Medication is generally the first line of treatment, focusing on reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms. However, surgery may be necessary if medication is ineffective or complications occur.

Medication Treatment

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Immunosuppressants: Help reduce inflammation by regulating the immune response.
• Biologics: Target specific inflammatory mediators to suppress inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

• For Crohn's disease patients, surgery may be required to remove parts of the bowel when strictures or fistulas develop.
• In ulcerative colitis, total colectomy is performed, involving the removal of both the colon and rectum. After this surgery, the end of the small intestine is reshaped into a J-pouch and connected to the anal canal.

 

Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to long-term health problems. Complications of Crohn's disease include bowel strictures, obstruction, abscesses, and fistulas, while ulcerative colitis can cause sudden massive bleeding, bowel perforation, and fulminant colitis. These complications can significantly diminish a patient's quality of life and may require emergency surgery.

 

Additionally, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with prolonged inflammatory bowel disease. This is particularly pronounced in patients with ulcerative colitis, making regular colonoscopies important for monitoring cancer development.

 

Prevention and Management

A healthy lifestyle is essential for preventing and managing inflammatory bowel disease. A balanced diet, appropriate exercise, stress management, and regular health check-ups are important. For those with a family history, early screening can help prevent the onset of the disease.

Dietary Improvements

• Consuming foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) promotes gut health.
• Avoiding processed foods, artificial additives, and high-fat foods reduces inflammation.
• Consuming probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kimchi, etc.) helps maintain the balance of gut microbiota.

Stress Management

• Regular exercise can alleviate stress.
• Techniques such as meditation and yoga can help maintain mental health.

Regular Check-Ups

• Those with a family history or symptoms should undergo regular colonoscopies for early diagnosis.

 

Introduction of Multidisciplinary Collaboration Systems

Recently, some hospitals have introduced multidisciplinary collaboration systems for treating inflammatory bowel disease to enhance treatment efficiency. Specialists from departments such as gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, radiology, and pediatrics gather to comprehensively evaluate a patient’s condition and develop personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures optimal treatment for patients and appropriately schedules surgical interventions.

 

Conclusion

Inflammatory bowel disease is a significant threat to modern health, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential. Maintaining healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, along with regular screenings, can prevent the onset of the disease, while professional treatment is necessary to manage symptoms if the disease occurs. Enhancing social awareness of inflammatory bowel disease and improving healthcare systems are crucial for improving patients’ quality of life.