Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their families recently gathered at the Taipei Mayor’s Residence for an event organized by the Taiwan Inflammatory Bowel Disease Society and the Taiwan Intestinal Health Association. The event aimed to promote awareness of IBD and educate attendees about the role of inflammation in the disease.
IBD is a general term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. According to Yang Shiguang, chairman of the Taiwan Bowel Treatment Association, many patients live with IBD for a lifetime, and active treatment is crucial. The event featured presentations by Dr. Li Baixian, an associate professor-level attending physician at Linkou Chang Gung Hospital, and Dr. Lin Weisheng, a senior attending physician at Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital. They shared disease health education and discussed precautions for IBD patients traveling abroad. The event also included a Q&A session and soft courses to help patients manage their condition.
Dr. Li Baixian explained that IBD is caused by the immune system attacking the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and ulcers. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. If the disease is not well controlled, the immune system may attack other areas of the body, causing problems like arthritis, skin lesions, and cardiovascular blockages.
Effective communication between doctors and patients is crucial in IBD treatment. In addition to traditional drugs, new biological agents and small molecule drugs are available for treatment. Statistics show that the use of biological agents has reduced the need for surgery in many patients. Additionally, small-molecule drugs covered by national health insurance allow patients to receive treatment at home instead of staying in the hospital for extended periods.
Dr. Li Baixian emphasized the importance of endoscopic mucosal healing in IBD treatment. When the mucosa is healed, the risk of surgery, hospitalizations, complications, and future cancer is reduced. Patients are encouraged not to fear colonoscopy, as it plays a vital role in confirming the condition of the mucosa. The value of “fecal calprotectin,” an important indicator of IBD, can predict an acute attack if it exceeds 300. Patients are advised to discuss treatment strategies with their doctors if they notice a significant increase in fecal calprotectin levels.
Dr. Lin Weisheng discussed the importance of paying attention to FODMAP (oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) in the daily diet of IBD patients. These substances can ferment in the intestines, leading to abdominal distension and pain. A low FODMAP diet, including foods like carrots, cucumbers, grapes, chicken, eggs, and potatoes, is recommended. Fiber intake is also important, with water-soluble fiber reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels and increasing good bacteria in the intestines. Non-water-soluble fiber helps with bowel movements. Patients with strictures should focus on water-soluble fiber. Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, can help reduce disease recurrence and inflammation during the maintenance period of IBD. However, patients taking hypoglycemic drugs and anticoagulants should be cautious due to potential interactions.
Dr. Lin Weisheng highlighted that 40% of IBD patients experience anxiety and depression. Research suggests that controlling IBD can improve physical and mental conditions, as inflammatory substances can affect the liver and brain. Hongyuan Wang, chairman of the Taiwan Inflammatory Bowel Disease Society, emphasized the importance of close communication with doctors and interdisciplinary team care involving gastroenterologists, nutritionists, nurses, and psychologists. The event provided an opportunity for patients to connect with each other and expressed the hope for future investments in resources to better control IBD.
Overall, the event aimed to raise awareness about IBD and provide valuable information and support to patients and their families. By promoting understanding of the disease and its management, the organizers hope to improve the quality of life for individuals living with IBD.
normal range of calprotectin by age
Value of fecal calprotectin exceeds 300.
According to Dr. Li Baixian, IBD is caused by the immune system attacking the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in inflammation and ulcers. Common symptoms of IBD include diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. If the disease is not properly controlled, the immune system may attack other parts of the body, leading to issues like arthritis, skin lesions, and cardiovascular blockages.
To effectively manage IBD, it is crucial for doctors and patients to maintain open communication. Traditional drugs are available for treatment, but there are also new options such as biological agents and small molecule drugs. The use of biological agents has shown to reduce the need for surgery in many patients. Moreover, small molecule drugs covered by national health insurance allow patients to receive treatment at home, avoiding extended hospital stays.
Dr. Li Baixian highlighted the importance of endoscopic mucosal healing in treating IBD. When the mucosa is healed, the risk of surgery, hospitalizations, complications, and future cancer is reduced. Patients are encouraged not to fear colonoscopy, as it plays a crucial role in confirming the condition of the mucosa. Additionally, the value of “fecal calprotectin,” an important indicator of IBD, can predict an acute attack if it exceeds 300. It is advised for patients to discuss treatment strategies with their doctors if the value of fecal calprotectin is elevated.
Overall, the event organized by the Taiwan Inflammatory Bowel Disease Society and the Taiwan Intestinal Health Association aimed to raise awareness about IBD and educate attendees about the role of inflammation in the disease. Presentations by Dr. Li Baixian and Dr. Lin Weisheng provided disease health education and discussed precautions for IBD patients when traveling abroad. The event also included a Q&A session and soft courses to assist patients in managing their condition.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease can be a challenging condition to navigate, but this informative article breaks it down in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. From exploring the causes to discussing various treatment options and lifestyle tips, it provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking to understand and manage this condition.
This article provides a concise yet informative overview of inflammatory bowel disease, covering its causes, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. A great read for anyone seeking a better understanding of this condition.