Stomach cramps and upset tummies might be painful and inconvenient, but they can also be a sign that something is seriously wrong. As is the case with many illnesses, it’s vital to tackle it before further progression as such symptoms could indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This restrictive condition can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Whilst this might sound alarming, the disease can be alleviated with the proper treatment.
If you suffer from IBD, which includes Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s, you’re not alone, as IBD is widely prevalent within the UAE.
Dr Filippos Georgopoulos, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Head of Gastroenterology Department and Endoscopy Unit, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, says, “From the published data about the Middle East it seems the figures are around 2.3 per cent for ulcerative colitis and 1.5 per cent for Crohn's disease per 100,000 people, which is around 20,000 patients.”
Whilst many people suffer from these conditions, the cause of the disease differs from one patient to another.
Dr Georgopoulos says, “Causes can be a combination of genetic and environmental factors like digestive infections, unhealthy diet, medicines (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pain killers) with an overreaction of the immune system which tries to kill the digestive cells. This is called an autoimmune response”
As there are different causes for IBD, an integrated approach with a team of specialists is often required to tackle the disease. Firstly though establishing a concrete and appropriate diagnosis.
Dr Georgopoulos says, “Diagnosis is like a puzzle which includes carefully taken history, basic laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures with a histological examination (biopsies) and imaging techniques (CT and MRI scans). Occasionally, the accurate diagnosis might be challenging, especially in the early phases of the disease. The signs and symptoms can be persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss or fever, and this could alert us to investigate.”
Once a diagnosis is made, the correct form of treatment can commence.
Dr Georgopoulos says, “Decisions are made in a multidisciplinary fashion by the whole team involved. At Al Zahra Hospital, we offer an advanced approach to the diagnosis and treatment due to the extensive experience the team has from the past in tertiary centres of IBD management in the medical and surgical fields. Patients benefit from a holistic approach addressing different parameters, which do not have to do only with the control of the symptoms but also prevention of complications, appropriate vaccinations, nutritional assessment and advanced therapeutic treatments with all modern medical and surgical treatments.”
Naturally, with any digestive issues, patients should follow a careful diet. Therefore, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, offers expert dietician services, to provide an integrated approach with all necessary services.
Dana Al Shakaa, Dietician at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, says, “Diet can be helpful in managing IBD during flares and periods of remission. A proper diet also ensures that the patient receives adequate nutrition to meet their needs, especially in cases of surgery and malabsorption where nutrition support or supplementation might be required. No specific diet has been shown to prevent or treat IBD. However, some diet strategies help control symptoms.”
Aside from being cautious with the diet, another catalyst for the body is stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Christina Burmeister, Psychology Lead, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, says, “We are not quite sure what causes IBD, but stress can make the symptoms worse. Hence taking precautions against elevated stress is advised. This could be through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, yoga or meditation, to name a few. The connection [between the brain and the stomach] seems to be more about the vicious circle of anxiety and the fear of a flare-up. Anxious people tend to worry a lot, often about their health, and this worry can make them more aware of what is happening in their body. In this case we offer complete psychological support for people that deal with chronic disease in order to treat them holistically”
Once all avenues are covered, the patient should start recovering. However, there are times when further help is required; and this is when the surgical team steps in.
Dr Maher A. Abbas, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, suggests, “Surgery for IBD including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s’ is considered if there is no response to medications, the inability of the patient to tolerate the side effects of medications, or complications of IBD, such as intestinal blockages, bleeding, perforation, and cancer-related to IBD.”
Whilst surgery might feel like a last resort; surgical intervention can make an enormous change in patients’ lives.
“The primary goal of surgery is to improve quality of life and to get the patient back on a healthy track,” says Dr Abbas.
“Surgery addresses the area of active disease and provides an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of medications long term. Therefore, colorectal surgery integration into the multidisciplinary care of patients with IBD at Al Zahra Hospital is critical to the patient's well-being.”
With Dr Abbas having spent ten years at the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic in the USA and now working with a team of first-class European trained gastroenterology colleagues, IBD patients are in excellent hands. Indeed, at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, the whole team provides a careful 360-degree integrated approach, so patients can be assured that the road to recovery is a success.
To learn more, visit https://azhd.ae/departments/inflammatory-bowel-diseases/
