Spanish
Every May 19th commemorates World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about two chronic diseases of the digestive system: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions affect about five million people worldwide and are characterized by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, with periods of active flare-ups and phases of remission.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD primarily encompasses two disorders:
- Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, and compromise all layers of the intestinal wall.
- Ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the colon (large intestine) and mainly affects the inner layer of the intestinal lining.
Both are autoimmune, non-contagious diseases that produce symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and in some cases, fever or rectal bleeding.
IBD has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it, and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35.
What is its cause?
Although an exact cause is not yet known, IBD is considered to arise from a complex interaction between factors:
- Genetic, which predispose certain people to develop the disease.
- Immune, where the immune system reacts excessively against the intestinal flora.
- Environmental, such as diet, stress, smoking, and the use of certain medications.
These diseases are more frequent in developed countries, which suggests that lifestyle may also have an influence.
Why is this day celebrated?
World IBD Day was established with the aim of giving visibility to these diseases, breaking down stigmas, and promoting research, early diagnosis, and access to adequate treatments. The initiative is promoted by patient associations from more than 50 countries, under the coordination of the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA).
During this day, informative activities, community support events, social media campaigns, and symbolic actions such as the illumination of public buildings in purple, which represents the fight against these diseases, are organized.
