“Sound” message that patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases they can have a completely normal and quality life, as long as they faithfully follow their medication, in full cooperation and consultation with the treating doctors, they sent from Ioannina on Sunday, September 24 distinguished scientist members Greek Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group.
The open informational event was organized by E.O.M.I.F.N.E under the auspices of the Medical Association of Ioannina, “dropping” the curtain on the highly successful 15th Hepato-Gastroenterology Event which organized on September 22-24 in the capital of Epirus the Institute of Internal Pathology and Hepato-Gastroenterology with the Gastroenterology Clinic of the Department of Medicine of the University of Ioannina under the responsibility of Professor of Gastroenterology of the University of Ioannina Dimitris Christodoulou.
The well-known journalist coordinated the event for the public Vicky Flessa.
At the center of the open event were the IBD (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease) two diseases whose frequency in recent years is increasing in the countries of the western world and in Greece. Diet is a determining factor in the appearance of specific diseases, in people who have a genetic predisposition, men and women, mainly in the productive age of 20-30 years, as emphasized by Mr. Nikolaos Viazis, Gastroenterologist, Director of the Gastroenterology Department of the Athens General Hospital “O Evangelismos – Polyclinic of Athens” and President of E.O.M.I.F.N.E. “The young age of the patients poses difficulties in managing the treatment of these chronic diseases and we are called to help them» highlighted features, analyzing frequency, risk factors and the role of nutrition.
The clinical picture, diagnosis and differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease were mentioned in her speech Ms. Maria Tzuvala, Gastroenterologist, ESY Director of the Gastroenterology Department of the General Hospital of Nice-Piraeus, “Agios Panteleimon”, General Hospital of Western Attica “Agia Varvara”. “No two patients with these diseases are the same” he emphasized and added that gastroenterologists have many diagnostic “weapons” for the safe diagnosis of diseases, with new ones constantly being added such as fecal calprotectin, intestinal ultrasound, the capsule of the small intestine.
At the same time, the pharmaceutical “quiver” of the gastroenterologists is also full, so that the symptoms remain in remission, ensuring quality of life for the patients, according to Ms. Olga Yuleme, Professor of Gastroenterology, 2nd Pre-Educational Pathology Clinic of the School of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital of Thessaloniki “Ippokrateio”. Medications block the “road” of inflammation, biological treatments have brought the “revolution” in the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, while surgical treatment concerns 50% of patients with Crohn’s Disease and 13% of patients with Ulcerative Colitis , after the lapse of 10 years. “These are chronic diseases. The treatment is never stopped, because the disease reappears with an unknown recurrence“, said Ms. Yuleme, He clarified, however, that there may be a de-escalation of the treatment after consultation with the attending physician. Smoking cessation is particularly crucial for patients, while cortisone administration should be done when needed, for a short period of time and never without a doctor’s approval, as emphasized.
Fatigue is a major “enemy” of IBD patients, significantly affecting productivity and quality of life in 40-60% of patients with inactive or mild disease and up to 85% of patients with active disease. “This requires a holistic approach to disease remission by doctors» according to Mr. Christos Liatso Gastroenterologist, Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens. He urged his fellow doctors not to ignore this parameter when monitoring patients, but to approach them in alternative holistic ways “so they feel healthy».
The event was welcomed by President of the Organizing Committee Dimitris Christodoulou, welcoming the members of E.O.M.I.F.N.E. “Today IBDs are treated therapeutically by improving the quality of life of the patients, which is a concern of the doctors of the city of Ioannina» he pointed out and expressed the opinion that an association should also be created at the local level to support these patients.
The journalist Vicky Flessa for her part, she congratulated E.O.M.I.F.N.E for the initiative to inform the public and also Professor Mr. Christodoulou. “I always feel proud when I am among elite scientists enriching my knowledge“said Mrs. Flessa and then moderated the questions and discussion with the audience that watched the debate.
