Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can lead to disability, experts reminded on the occasion of the World Day of IBD, which is celebrated on May 19.
“Some people suffering from these diseases are disabled. This disability, however, is not visible, and besides, they are often young people, which is why they meet with a lack of understanding in the society “- told PAP Dr. Małgorzata Mossakowska from the Polish Society for Supporting People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease -” J-elita “.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder. This means that they were caused by a malfunction of the immune system and its aggression against own tissues in people with a genetic predisposition. In IBD, various parts of the digestive tract are attacked, especially the intestine, but other organs may also be affected, including joints, eyes, kidneys, and liver; there are also changes in the lungs. Uncontrolled inflammation manifests itself as long-term diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, fever and may lead to exhaustion of the body.
“These diseases mainly affect young people, are embarrassing in nature and can have a negative impact on intimate, family, professional and social life,” said Dr. Mossakowska. They can make it impossible to continue education, get a desired job, be employed or keep a job, and they also increase the risk of social isolation and the development of depression.
IBDs are diagnosed mainly in people aged 15–30. In recent years, in developed countries, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of IBD, also among children. Experts estimate that over 50 people suffer from these diseases in Poland. people – 35-40 thousand for ulcerative colitis, and 10-15 thousand. for Crohn’s disease.
During the development of IBD – especially when untreated or treated poorly – serious complications can occur, which result in patients’ disability. These are primarily the so-called fistulas, i.e. the formation of connections between the intestine and other internal organs or the skin, intestinal abscesses or complications from other organs. In many patients, surgical excision of a fragment of the intestine is necessary, and in extreme cases, in patients with ulcerative colitis, even the entire colon must be removed.
“Our disability is often not seen, but it does exist and significantly deteriorates the quality of our life and makes it very difficult. I often hear from people that I don’t look sick, ”said Agnieszka Kowalczyk from the J-elita Society.
This is one of the reasons why people with IBD are not understood. As an example, the members of the “J-elita” Society say that as of November 30, 2014, all disabled people who do not have a symbol indicating a disease of the musculoskeletal system, pattern or neurological disease will be withdrawn from all disabled persons on XNUMX November XNUMX. .
Meanwhile, patients with IBD may also have problems with movement – the disease may cause changes in the osteoarticular system or deteriorate eyesight. In addition, due to frequent diarrhea (sometimes several dozen per day), they are forced to use the toilet immediately, and having a parking card is very helpful in this. Members of the “J-elita” Society point out that the collection of parking cards from people suffering from IBD will contribute to keeping them at home and social exclusion.
On the occasion of the World Day of IBD, patients and experts also remind that although these diseases cannot be cured at present, their early diagnosis and the use of optimal therapy significantly increase the chances of withdrawal of the symptoms of the disease (the so-called remission). Thanks to this, it is possible to prevent the destruction of the sick organism and give it a chance to function normally in the society.
This year, the “J-elita” Society is organizing the celebration of the Day on Sunday in two cities – Warsaw and Krakow. In Warsaw, at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior from From 11 to 13 you will be able to listen to lectures by specialists, including prof. Grażyna Rydzewska, a national consultant in the field of gastroenterology. A family picnic will also start at 13 p.m. take advantage of consultations with specialists, see the exhibition “Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me” presenting the perspective of artists from around the world on the lives of people suffering from autoimmune diseases.
In Krakow, the celebrations will take place in Dworek Białoprądnicki.
More information on this subject can be found on the society’s website (www.j-elita.org.pl). (PAP)