IBD Day is celebrated every year on 19 May. This year's theme is 'IBD has no boundaries'.

This condition is mainly classified into Crohn's disease (affecting the small intestine), ulcerative colitis (affecting the large intestine), indeterminate colitis, and microscopic colitis (diagnosed through biopsy).

"Genetically susceptible individuals inherit susceptibility from their parents. The gut environment, particularly the balance of bacteria, plays an important role; a healthy gut typically contains 60-70 percent good bacteria and 30-40 percent are bad bacteria," Mahesh Kumar Gupta, senior consultant
, Gurugram, told IANS.“Disruptions in this balance, often caused by poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, excessive consumption of junk food and preservatives, can trigger inflammation. Intestinal ulcers are seen in IBD due to the interaction of the immune system with genetic and bacterial factors. Contributes,” he said. ,

Common symptoms of IBD include bloody diarrhea, weight loss, fever, fatigue, stomach pain, anemia, joint pain, and skin problems.

A 2023 study published in the journal Lancet showed that due to increasing urbanization, which comes with increased intake of ultra-processed foods, IBD is on the rise among young adults and even adolescents in India.Is.

A study by AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad has revealed that about 15 lakh people in India are suffering from IBD, but the true picture is not clear due to lack of proper data. Anukalp Prakash, Principal Consultant
CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told IANS that there has also been a rise in pediatric cases of IBD.

Although the exact cause is not known, genetics may play a role, he said.

“The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known, but may involve genetics as well as immunity.Changes in immunity play a very important role in the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease. People who have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease. There is a risk of developing the disease because it is a genetic disease and autoimmune disease. The Lancet study also attributed C-section delivery to depriving the baby of essential gut microflora. Additionally, lack of breastfeeding and excessive use of antibiotics also increase the risk of IBD.

Health experts called for maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated and avoiding preservatives.