WHAT IS IBD?
IBD, short for inflammatory bowel disease, is a term that describes a range of disorders characterised by long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two prevailing types of IBD.
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By 2030, it is projected that approximately 300,000 Australians will be diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, accounting for around 2% of the population. Among individuals suffering from IBD, about 30% will also encounter extraintestinal conditions such as arthritis, eye disorders, skin ailments and liver diseases. Additionally, up to half of those affected by IBD are expected to face mentally health issues including anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At present, there is no cure available. Nonetheless, these disorders can be effectively controlled with the help of medication, making necessary lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, surgical intervention.