A silent is yet to get the meritorious health challenge acquiring land across India: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Once when it is rarely encountered in clinical practice, this chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is now coming up with greater frequency in both metropolitan and small urban centers.

As diagnosed and medical physicians face increasing complications in treatment and detection, IBD is emerging as a public health concern that is demanding immediate attention.

What is IBD?

Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is a long -term condition that causes inflammation and pain in the digestive system.

There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease (inflammation in any part of the digestive system) and ulcerative colitis (inflammation and ulcer in the colon and rectum).

People with IBD often lose abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight. It is different from IBS and requires medical care for symptoms and flare.

IBD in India rapidly growth

A global study by researchers at the University of Chicago suggested that IBD is not only growing in Western countries, but it is now infiltrating developing countries like India, even though a large population is vegetarian.

“As a chronic inflammatory situation, which is inspired by immune system reactions, IBDs have been linked to so-called Western diets that are high in processed foods, animal products and sugar, while fruits, vegetables and even in the whole grains. People in industrial economies are to adopt more elements of this diet, but it is not completely written by researchers.

Recent epidemiological estimates depicted a dangerous picture: by 2035, India can be a home of more than two million IBD patients, four -fold in less than two decades.

Doctors depict this exponential growth to the confluence of environment, diet and lifestyle changes, underlining the intersection between modernity and intestine microbiom (microbes in the digestive system).

The 2023 Lancet study by the IBD Center at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad underlines the gravity of the trend. According to the findings, the prevalence of IBD in the region increased from a modest 0.1% to more than 5% in 2006, a shocking growth that reflects a wider national pattern.

“India is observing a rapid growth in IBD cases due to infection with traditional Indian diets rich in fiber and natural foods, which are more western intake of processed foods, saturated fats and sugars. This dietary innings has weakened intestinal obstacles and potentially triggered inflammation.”

Initial antibiotic use

The major factors that cause IBD development are antibiotic exposure. Increasing evidence suggests that the disintegration of the intestine microbyota can be long -lasting results during significant developmental stages.

“Antibiotic exposure during childhood can disrupt developing intestinal microbyota, which can lead to long -term changes in microbial composition and function. This dysbiosis has been linked to increased risk of inflamed bowel diseases, such as cruhan disease and ulcerative colitis, later, in life,” internal and head -end headed heads.

Wrong diagnosis of IBD

The clinical landscape in India presents its unique challenges. IBD’s symptomatic presentation, frequent stomach discomfort, chronic diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss, mimics other prevalent gastrointestinal conditions, especially intestinal tuberculosis.

This overlap has historically made a wrong diagnosis with severe clinical implications.

“Histopathological difference between IBD or Crohn and intestinal tuberculosis remains an important challenge in India. Accurate biopsy analysis is essential because missdiagnosis can lead to improper therapy and serious complications. Such patients can be subject to ineffective treatment.

IBD treatment

Physicians are calling for a multi -disciplinary approach to address these clinical difficulties.

Dr. Rana said, “Many patients are present with non-specific symptoms, making it difficult to find out early. A multi-related approach is required, integrating the clinical evaluation with a detailed investigation to effectively manage the IBD.”

But obstacles are not just biological or infrastructure. Accurate diagnosis often depends on a combination of physical examinations, laboratory functions and endoscopic processes, often unavailable in rural or non-experts settings.

“IBD symptoms overlap with irritable bowel syndrome. It delays diagnosis. Individuals with dangerous symptoms such as bleeding and severe abdominal pain require complete evaluation. However, there is no clinical test for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease,” Dr. Akash Kapoor, CEO of CEO, Scan Clinic explained.

Reducing this issue is the social stigma around the chronic disease, especially one that affects bowel health. Results: Silence culture that delays care and increases the results of the patient.

As India struggles with the increasing burden of IBD, experts agree that timely diagnosis, access to advanced diagnosis, and de-reconciliation of the disease is necessary to slow down its spread.