Hyderabad Doctors Emphasize Early Detection to Combat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In observance of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day on May 18, medical experts in Hyderabad are highlighting the critical importance of early diagnosis in managing IBD, a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract

India ranks second globally in the number of IBD cases, with approximately 1.4 to 1.5 million individuals affected. Despite this high prevalence, awareness about the disease remains limited. Dr. K.S. Somasekhar Rao, Senior Consultant in Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Yashoda Hospital, notes that IBD is not confined to a specific age group and can impact anyone. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stools, and weight loss. Dr. Rao emphasizes that early diagnosis is essential for controlling the disease and achieving remission.

IBD primarily encompasses two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, leading to symptoms like oral ulcers, abdominal bloating, and pain. As the disease progresses, patients may experience increased stool frequency, fatigue, and perianal fistulas. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, causes ulcers and erosions in the large intestine. Addressing concerns about IBD’s impact on fertility, Dr. Humera Sultana, an obstetrician and gynecologist, states that the disease typically does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive. However, she advises women to plan pregnancies during periods of disease remission to minimize risks such as miscarriages, intrauterine growth retardation, and pretermdeliveries. Dr. Sultana recommends that women with IBD consult their physicians before conception and maintain close medical supervision throughout pregnancy.

Healthcare professionals in Hyderabad are urging increased public awareness and early medical consultation to manage IBD effectively and improve patient outcomes)