Gastrointestinal Health Alert: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases on the Rise in Italy
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are becoming a growing concern for gastrointestinal health worldwide. These conditions, characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, are increasingly common, affecting both men and women equally and with a rising incidence.
In Italy, the situation is no different. It is estimated that around 250,000 patients suffer from chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, with 60% diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and 40% with Crohn’s disease. These conditions do not discriminate by age, affecting young adults, children, and the elderly, with approximately 6-8 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants each year.
We spoke with Dr. Valeriano Castagna, a gastroenterologist at Humanitas Gavazzeni and a specialist in the field of gastroenterology, to shed light on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of IBD.
Dr. Castagna explained that while the exact causes of IBD are not yet fully understood, genetic predisposition, environmental factors such as diet, smoking, stress, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, and immune system dysfunction may all contribute to the development of these diseases.
Symptoms of CD and UC can vary, with CD affecting different parts of the intestine discontinuously, while UC typically involves the rectum and can extend to the entire colon. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD patients may also experience extraintestinal manifestations that affect other organs such as joints, skin, liver, and eyes.
Diagnosis of IBD often involves colonoscopy, biopsies, and imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs to accurately differentiate between UC and CD. Treatment options range from drug therapy to surgical interventions, with nutritional management also playing a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life of affected patients.
In conclusion, IBD poses a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare providers, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage symptoms and provide the best possible care for those affected by these chronic inflammatory diseases.