Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, has been increasing in prevalence within the last 50 years. This increase has deeply influenced health outcomes for many people and families living with these conditions. The most recent data from 1990 to 2019 shows a steep rise in IBD-related mortality in all populations. Women have experienced an even bigger overall increase in that time period. The American Cancer Society has noted a troubling trend in colorectal cancer among young adults, raising additional concerns within the medical community.
The invigorating advancement in IBD occurrences is especially remarkable amid the elderly, particularly girls older than 70. This demographic transformation begs the question of how these changes are occurring—in particular, through diet and environment. Adoption of a Western diet has been blamed as a major driver behind this uptick.
Patients with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis rarely, if ever, pass away from inflammation of the intestines,” stated a release quote from Loren G. Rabinowitz, M.D. He underlined how progress in treatments has revolutionized patients’ lives.
Rising Rates and Geographic Disparities
IBD cases dropped dramatically in the late 1990s. These numbers have shot up over the last quarter century, particularly in America’s heartland and its Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states. The Midwest had the highest death rates due to IBD, particularly among men. This sobering statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells the story of a disastrous public health trend. The death rate due to IBD has increased nearly 10% per year since 2018.
The South, home to the majority of IBD-related deaths from 1999-2022, has seen an alarming increase in IBD-related mortality during these years. Public health officials warn that these trends are likely to continue unless, through early intervention and increased awareness, we act to reverse them.
Impacts on Health Beyond IBD
Beyond its direct impacts, IBD has been associated with higher risk of heart and vascular-related illnesses. This connection adds another layer of difficulty to an already complex health landscape for those diagnosed with the condition. Dr. Benjamin Click, who was on the research team, added that the data suggests a very substantial true increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases. He added that dozens of autoimmune diseases are increasing at alarming rates.
Additionally, health professionals recommend reporting any change in bowel habits. People with symptoms persisting beyond a few weeks should obtain medical attention as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent adverse outcomes.
Demographic Patterns in Diagnosis
Previously, studies found that having a sibling with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly raised your odds of developing the disorder. Indeed, the numbers show a 1.7% probability over ten years. This family connection further emphasizes the impact genetics can have on whether someone develops IBD or not.
Women have other special considerations when it comes to diagnosis. For example, women are four times more likely than men to be misdiagnosed. This gap highlights the importance of adopting more precise diagnostic approaches for healthcare practitioners.
Colorectal Cancer Concerns
With increasing rates of IBD comes an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially in young adults. The American Cancer Society’s recent findings serve as a reminder that the risk of early onset colorectal cancer likely differs based on states of IBD. Dr. Click added, “If these are shaping the development of early onset colorectal cancer, then a link is very much possible.”
Detailing the intersection of these diseases requires continued research to understand how they are related and inform better screening practices.
Treatment Advances
Even with this daunting landscape, treatment options for IBD have rapidly increased over the past few years. According to Dr. Rabinowitz, “What I tell my patients is: ‘There’s never been a better time in human history to have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis because the number of available therapies has increased significantly over the last several years, and that’s anticipated only to continue.’
These advancements provide hope for patients coping with chronic conditions and underline the importance of continued research and innovation in this field.
The Future of IBD Awareness
As IBD continues to grow in numbers and impact, it is a growing public health concern that deserves more attention. Educating healthcare providers and patients about the signs and symptoms of IBD could lead to earlier diagnoses and improved management of the disease.
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