The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) It is a chronic condition that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Whether in its form Crohn’s disease or in its presentation as ulcerative colitis, This disease causes a malfunction of the immune system that causes lesions in the digestive system, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and can even lead to cancer.
Within the data known in Latin America, the figures show that in Argentina the incidence of ulcerative colitis shot up to 82 cases per 100,000 people in 2007. Although there is currently no specific data, experts point out that cases do not stop growing in both the adult population and children.
Currently, a new immunotherapy treatment is being investigated in our country that could help patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis achieve clinical remission, that is, control symptoms to avoid new outbreaks of the disease.
People who live with diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC) face daily challenges that may go unnoticed by people in general. Seemingly simple activities such as a subway or bus ride can become a real challenge for those who suffer from the disease: defecatory emergencies, when they occur, cannot wait. For this reason, these people are limited in their daily lives, forcing themselves to plan or directly limit going out, since they need to know where a bathroom will be available.
Although it can manifest at any age, it is even more common in young people between 15 and 40 years old, which is why it affects people in full personal and professional development. The symptoms of UC (frequent diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain) are not only physical, they also have a significant impact on an emotional level.
Its unpredictability, the possibility of outbreaks and the need to adjust lifestyle generate uncertainty, anxiety and stress.
Why are cases rising?
This chronic disease is usually associated with the Western diet – high consumption of red meat, fats, fried foods -, with smoking, with geographical location, with the abuse of antibiotics in childhood and even with a history of having undergone an operation. of appendix.
However, there are several genes involved in ulcerative colitis. People who have a family member (father, brother) with UC have 4 times the risk of suffering from it than the rest of the population. Lately, the role of the microbiome (the microbes that live in the intestine) in the emergence and outbreaks of UC has been highlighted, which manifests itself in both sexes, especially between the ages of 15 and 40, but which is increasingly occurring. more in children.
People with ulcerative colitis have a significantly different microbiome than individuals who do not have this disease. An excess of certain negative bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria send erroneous signals to the immune system. Hence, prebiotics and probiotics made with certain protective bacteria are used today to improve ulcerative colitis.
Shortly ago, it was discovered that the inflammation and ulcers suffered by these patients in the colon are caused by a pathological reaction of certain defensive cells (T lymphocytes), which miss their target and attack the cells that line the intestinal mucosa. inside, instead of attacking infectious viruses or bacteria that invade the body.
Although the exact mechanism that causes ulcerative colitis is not well known, it is assumed that it all begins with an infection (for example, by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or Clostridium difficile) that triggers a defensive reaction in the body. Then this reaction becomes uncontrolled and becomes virulent against the wall of the large intestine, damaging the mucosa of the rectum and colon.
As a result, patients experience pain, suffer from anemia, and have blood in their stools.
The disease has periods of exacerbation and remission, but it is estimated that around 20 years after symptoms begin, patients will require surgery to remove portions of the intestine (colectomy) and prevent malignancy of intestinal cells. Due to its impact on quality of life and its complications, it is very important that patients with UC receive early treatment that limits inflammation and autoimmune reactions of the body’s defensive system.
A study is being carried out in Argentina and Mexico that aims to find out if efavaleukin alfa can help patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis achieve clinical remission, that is, control symptoms and avoid new outbreaks.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
