World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day is dedicated to raising awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic conditions cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The 2025 theme, ‘IBD Has No Borders: Breaking Taboos, Talking About It,’ emphasizes the importance of open conversations to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those affected by IBD.
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used to describe chronic, long-term conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD mainly includes two major disorders: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These conditions not only disrupt the body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients but also significantly impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. The inflammation in UC is usually continuous and starts at the rectum, extending upward through parts or all of the colon.
Causes sores or ulcers in the lining of the colon.
Leads to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and frequent urgency to defecate.
The inflammation is superficial, affecting only the innermost layer of the intestinal wall.
Symptoms often appear in flare-ups followed by periods of remission (little or no symptoms).
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is more complex than UC in that it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon.
Inflammation can occur in patches with healthy tissue between.
Unlike UC, Crohn’s can affect all layers of the bowel wall, leading to more severe complications like fistulas, strictures, and abscesses.
Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
Often more difficult to diagnose due to its unpredictable location and behavior.
World IBD Day 2025 Theme and Significance
The 2025 theme, “IBD Has No Borders Breaking Taboos, Talking About It,” promotes open dialogue and global unity.It aims to reduce stigma by encouraging conversations about IBD without shame or embarrassment.The campaign highlights the importance of education to help the public understand IBD symptoms, treatment, and impact.Raising awareness helps patients receive early diagnosis and emotional support.The theme also calls for stronger advocacy and investment in medical research to develop better treatments and find a cure.World IBD Day is coordinated by EFCCA and supported by over 50 countries worldwide.Landmarks are lit in purple, the official IBD awareness color, symbolizing strength and solidarity.The day empowers patients to share their stories and demand better care and recognition.Ultimately, it reinforces that IBD knows no borders and neither should compassion or awareness.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition marked by ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract, primarily seen in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and severity of inflammation but typically involve the gastrointestinal (GI) system. These symptoms often appear in cycles of flare-ups followed by remission (symptom-free periods).Here’s a detailed look at the most common signs and symptoms of IBD:
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
This is one of the most frequent and early symptoms of IBD.
Pain is typically located in the lower abdomen or around the navel and can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps.
It is caused by inflammation, ulceration, or bowel obstruction due to scarring or swelling.
Persistent Diarrhea (Often with Blood)
Diarrhea may be chronic and can occur multiple times daily during a flare-up.
In ulcerative colitis, blood in the stool is more common due to ulcers in the colon.
It is often accompanied by mucus and can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.
Urgency to Have a Bowel Movement
Patients frequently experience a sudden and urgent need to use the toilet, sometimes with incomplete evacuation.
This can be distressing and impact daily activities, travel, and work.
The urgency results from inflammation irritating the bowel, especially in ulcerative colitis.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Inflammation and poor nutrient absorption can lead to significant weight loss.
Ongoing symptoms and blood loss also cause chronic fatigue.
The immune system is in overdrive, using extra energy and reducing the body’s reserves.
Fever and Rectal Bleeding
A low-grade fever is common during flare-ups due to systemic inflammation.
Rectal bleeding occurs due to ulcers or fissures in the colon or rectum.
Repeated bleeding may cause iron-deficiency anemia, leading to weakness and shortness of breath.
Mouth Sores
Painful ulcers or sores may appear inside the mouth, especially during active disease phases.
These are a reflection of systemic inflammation and can affect eating and speaking.
They are more common in Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis.
Flare-Ups and Remission
IBD symptoms are not constant as they come in waves.
Flare-ups may last days to weeks and are followed by remission, where symptoms reduce or disappear.
Triggers for flare-ups may include stress, diet changes, infections, or missed medications.
What is the Importance of World IBD Day (WIBDD)?
Raise Awareness
One of the most vital goals of WIBDD is to educate the public about the realities of living with IBD. Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are often misunderstood or overlooked because they involve personal and sometimes stigmatized symptoms.
Awareness campaigns help correct misconceptions—for example, that IBD is simply “a stomach issue” or that it’s caused by diet alone.
By informing people about early signs, the importance of medical support, and the long-term nature of IBD, more individuals can seek help sooner, leading to better outcomes.
Encourage Support
Living with a chronic, invisible illness like IBD can be emotionally isolating. WIBDD works to create a culture of empathy where patients feel seen, heard, and understood.
Support networks are essential for managing not just the physical symptoms, but also the mental health challenges of IBD—such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
WIBDD promotes inclusive conversations at workplaces, schools, and within families, helping patients maintain relationships and careers while managing their health.
Advocate for Change
WIBDD gives patients, caregivers, and health organizations a platform to push for policy changes and greater investment in research.
Campaigns call for accessible treatments, affordable care, and funding for biomedical research into causes, prevention, and potential cures.
It also encourages governments and healthcare systems to prioritize IBD in national health agendas, particularly in countries where awareness and resources are lacking.
Promote Solidarity
IBD affects over 10 million people worldwide, across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. World IBD Day reminds us that patients are not alone.
Events like landmark purple light-ups, patient story campaigns, and global forums create a shared sense of purpose.
People from different backgrounds and cultures unite to show that IBD knows no borders, and neither should compassion and care.
Modifications of Environmental Risk Factors in Treating IBD
While Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is largely influenced by genetic and immune system factors, environmental factors especially diet and gut microbiota (intestinal bacteria) play a major role in either triggering flare-ups or helping manage symptoms. These are modifiable lifestyle elements, which means that by making specific changes, patients can support their treatment plans, reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, and potentially improve long-term outcomes.
Diet and IBD Management
Diet doesn't cause IBD, but it significantly affects how well symptoms are managed, especially during flare-ups. A carefully tailored diet can ease inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and support overall gut health. What to Eat:
Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber (though during flare-ups, low-fiber cooked vegetables may be better tolerated).
Whole Grains: Provide slow-digesting carbohydrates and fiber that promote regular bowel movements and gut health.
Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish are generally easier on the digestive system than red meats.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado, and omega-3-rich foods (like salmon) may help reduce inflammation.
What to Limit or Avoid:
Processed Foods: Often contain preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial ingredients that may irritate the gut lining.
Red Meat and High-Fat Dairy: These have been associated with increased inflammation in some studies.
Sugary Foods and Beverages: Can disrupt gut bacteria balance and contribute to flare-ups.
Alcohol and Caffeine: May worsen diarrhea and cramping in sensitive individuals.
Intestinal Microbiota and IBD
The gut microbiota—the trillions of bacteria and microorganisms living in our digestive system—play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal health. In people with IBD, this balance is often disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis.How Microbiota Influence IBD:
Healthy gut bacteria help regulate the immune system and prevent inflammation.
Dysbiosis may increase the permeability of the intestinal lining ("leaky gut"), allowing harmful substances to trigger immune responses.
A less diverse microbiota has been linked to more severe IBD symptoms and frequent flare-ups.
Strategies to Support Gut Microbiota:
Probiotics: These are beneficial live bacteria (found in yogurt, kefir, and supplements) that can help restore microbial balance and reduce inflammation in some IBD patients.
Prebiotics: These are fibers and natural substances that feed the good bacteria in your gut (found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus).
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): An emerging therapy where healthy microbiota are transplanted into the gut of an IBD patient. It’s still under research but shows promise in some Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis cases.
Antibiotics: Sometimes used to target specific harmful bacteria, though with caution, as they can also disrupt helpful flora.
Preventative Tips to Avoid IBD
While Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis often has genetic and autoimmune components that cannot be fully controlled, growing research suggests that certain lifestyle and environmental factors may influence the development and progression of IBD. While prevention isn't guaranteed, making healthy choices can lower the risk, delay onset, and improve gut health, especially in genetically predisposed individuals.Here’s a closer look at key preventive tips:
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a well-established risk factor, particularly for Crohn’s disease.
Smokers are twice as likely to develop Crohn’s than non-smokers.
It worsens inflammation, increases flare-ups, and may lead to more aggressive disease, often requiring surgery.
Quitting smoking has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce relapse rates in Crohn’s patients.
Interestingly, smoking may slightly reduce ulcerative colitis risk, but its harms far outweigh any potential benefit—especially due to its effect on other organs and cancer risk.
Manage Stress
Chronic emotional stress doesn’t cause IBD, but it can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Stress activates the brain-gut axis, influencing gut motility and immune function.
Stress-related hormones like cortisol may increase inflammation in the intestines.
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can significantly help reduce stress-related flares.
Support groups and therapy can also offer emotional relief and improve mental well-being.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Physical activity is beneficial for both gut and mental health.
Regular moderate exercise can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and improve intestinal motility.
It helps combat fatigue, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall quality of life for those at risk or already living with IBD.
Aim for activities like walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes, 4–5 times a week.
Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Diet plays a central role in gut health and immune regulation.
Diets high in fiber, plant-based foods, and fermented products support a healthy gut microbiome.
Minimize processed foods, saturated fats, added sugars, and artificial additives that can trigger inflammation or alter gut bacteria.
Early-life exposure to diverse, whole foods and reduced use of antibiotics may help develop a stronger, balanced immune system.
Article by Dr. Pawan Rawal
Head Unit I - Gastroenterology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, mainly affecting the intestines.
What are the main types of IBD?
The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Can we live a normal life with IBD?
Yes, with proper treatment and lifestyle management, many people live healthy, active lives with IBD.
What color ribbon is worn for IBD awareness?
Purple is the awareness color for IBD.
When is IBD Awareness Month?
May is IBD Awareness Month, with World IBD Day on May 19.
What causes IBD?
It’s caused by a mix of genetic, immune, and environmental factors, but the exact cause is still unknown.
What are the common symptoms of IBD?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
How is IBD diagnosed?
Through tests like colonoscopy, stool tests, blood work, and imaging scans.
Is there a cure for IBD?
There’s no cure yet, but symptoms can be effectively managed with medication, diet, and surgery if needed.
How does IBD impact daily life and mental health?
It can cause physical discomfort, social anxiety, and emotional stress, especially during flare-ups.
What lifestyle changes can help manage IBD symptoms?
Eating a balanced diet, avoiding triggers, managing stress, exercising regularly, and not smoking can help.
How to prevent bowel inflammation?
You can lower your risk by not smoking, reducing stress, and eating anti-inflammatory foods rich in fiber and probiotics.
