On May 19, World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day is celebrated, a date that seeks to give visibility to a group of chronic conditions of the digestive tract. Although there is no cure, current therapeutic advances allow many patients to lead a full life. The biggest challenge, according to experts, is early diagnosis, as many delay consultation due to embarrassment or normalizing symptoms that should not be ignored.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the main forms of IBD, characterized by prolonged inflammation of the intestine, with unpredictable periods of flare-ups and remission. The most common symptoms include persistent diarrhea with mucus and blood, abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, inflammation can affect other organs, such as the skin, joints, eyes, and liver.
Dr. Gabriel González, an IBD specialist, highlights that “there is a culture of enduring or normalizing certain symptoms. Many people only consult when the disease is already advanced, which reduces the chances of better control.” He emphasizes that it is not normal to live with abdominal pain or persistent symptoms, and that consulting in time opens a “window of opportunity” to halt the progression of the disease.
The impact of IBD goes beyond the physical. “There are patients who organize their lives around the disease: from planning activities according to the availability of a bathroom to limiting outings, travel, or social gatherings,” explains Dr. González. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and depression, especially during flare-ups.
Current treatment aims not only to relieve symptoms but also to modify the course of the disease. “A key goal is to achieve healing of the intestinal mucosa, as this is related to more lasting remission, fewer hospitalizations or surgeries, and a significant improvement in quality of life,” says the specialist. Therapies with biological drugs have been fundamental in this strategy.
However, access to these often expensive treatments remains an obstacle. In Paraguay, the management of IBD faces challenges such as lack of access to basic medication, delays in referral to specialized gastroenterologists, and the absence of a patient association that can articulate demands for conventional and biological therapies with health institutions.
Experts recommend that, in the face of persistent digestive symptoms, a person should seek a doctor. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, and treatment should be accompanied by good nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. “It is essential that patients can access the appropriate medication and maintain it over time,” concludes Dr. González.