Common Misconceptions and Myths About IBD
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Unfortunately, medical misinformation exists. The spread of misleading information can further the challenges experienced by IBD patients and often increases their feelings of isolation.
That is why approaching medical misinformation head-on is the best policy.
Watch the Video: Common Misconceptions and Myths About IB
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This medical condition involves inflammation of the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms often include bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptom severity can fluctuate from mild to severe, lasting for days, weeks or even months.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About IBD
Myth
IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are the same illness
Fact
Although symptoms are similar, IBS and IBD are completely different gastrointestinal disorders. IBS patients do not experience inflammation in the intestines as IBD patients do.
Myth
You can have both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Fact
No. IBD patients cannot have both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The misconception probably stems from a condition known as Crohn’s colitis, which is a form of Crohn’s disease that only affects the colon. However, Crohn’s colitis is a different disorder from ulcerative colitis.
Myth
Stress Causes IBD
Fact
IBD is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system erroneously attacks different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation. Therefore, stress alone does not cause IBD. However, high-stress levels can trigger and exacerbate symptom flare-ups. For this reason, IBD patients must keep their stress levels in check.
Myth
IDB only affects adults
Fact
Although most IBD patients receive their diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 35, younger children can also develop the condition.
Pediatric IBD affects 100 to 200 children out of 100,000 in the United States, and this rate, unfortunately, is increasing.
Myth
IBD only affects the gastrointestinal tract
Fact
Between 25% and 40% of IBD patients experience complications of IBD involving symptoms outside of the GI tract.
Complications from IBD can cause issues in the bones, joints, eyes, liver, kidneys, and skin.
Myth
All IBD Patients Require Surgery
Fact
Surgery remains a viable option for improving the quality of life for certain patients. However, due to advancements in immunosuppressant medications, including biologics, surgery rates have decreased significantly over the last 20 years.
Myth
Diet and Lifestyle Changes Will Cure IBD
Fact
There is no definitive cure for IBD. While diet and lifestyle changes can help decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms, these alone will not stop flare-ups.
Doctors and patients must work together to develop a disease management strategy that includes medication and pertinent lifestyle and diet changes.
Myth
You can Discontinue Medication Once You Start Feeling Better
Fact
IBD medications can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, and in some cases, can lead to remission, which can last for years. However, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions, and if a patient stops treatment, there is a high recurrence rate for relapse.
Therefore, doctors advise patients to continue their treatments as prescribed even when feeling well.
Get the IBD Information You Need and Deserve
At Altus Biologics, we strongly support patients’ rights to accurate and truthful information. Your doctor and healthcare staff are the best educational resource available to you. Make sure to speak to them regarding any concerns or doubts you have about your condition.
