Sure! Here’s the translation to American English:
On the occasion of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day, celebrated each May 19, there is a call to raise awareness about this chronic condition, which currently affects over 300,000 people in Spain and the number continues to rise. Dr. Juan Arenas, head of the Digestive System department at Policlínica Gipuzkoa, emphasizes the importance of bringing visibility to diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are part of IBD.
Ulcerative colitis directly impacts the large intestine, whereas Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. According to Arenas, IBD is immunological in origin and is influenced by a combination of genetic, dietary, and stress-related factors. Although a single cause has not been identified, it has been noted that the consumption of ultra-processed foods and stressful situations may increase the risk of flare-ups.
The most common symptoms of this disease include chronic diarrhea, often with mucus or blood, abdominal pain, and weight loss, which significantly affects the quality of life of those affected. When IBD is suspected, stool tests are usually conducted to detect inflammation markers, and a colonoscopy is recommended, as it is considered the most accurate test to confirm the diagnosis.
Once IBD has been diagnosed, continuous medical follow-up is essential, as well as appropriate treatment to control flare-ups and prevent relapses. Arenas assures that treatments have improved significantly in recent years, offering a variety of options ranging from anti-inflammatories to biological treatments that directly address inflammation. This has allowed many people with IBD to lead a normal life.
Although in many cases treatment must be permanent, the primary goal remains the prevention of flare-ups and the pursuit of good long-term quality of life. While IBD is a chronic disease, the outlook is encouraging. According to Dr. Arenas, if a treatment is not effective, there are always alternatives, and research continues to advance towards new therapies, providing hope to those suffering from this disease, in contrast to the realities faced 15 years ago.
via: MiMub in Spanish
