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IBD in India on the Rise: For decades, IBD including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis was seen as a rarity in India. But that notion is outdated. Hospital-based and regional studies reveal a clear upward trajectory: in Haryana and Punjab, ulcerative colitis prevalence hovered around 43 per 100,000 in the early 2000s, and incidence in Hyderabad reached over 5 per 100,000 by 2012–13 . Meanwhile, population-level estimates now suggest that by 2035, India could have over two million IBD patients a fourfold rise in under two decades .
A 2023 Lancet-backed study reported that IBD prevalence has surged from 0.1% in 2006 to over 5% by 2022, in both urban and rural settings . And national surveys estimate current patient numbers between 1.4 million and 2.7 lakh (270,000) depending on methodology and region .
IBD in India on the Rise: Reason
1. Diet & Lifestyle Changes: Our cities are growing fast, and everyone’s eating more of that Western junk: greasy burgers, sugary drinks, stuff that’s barely seen a vegetable. These food items lack fiber leading yo these kind of problems. All this processed nonsense messes up your gut bacteria and can kickstart inflammation.
2. Excessive Antibiotics Intake: Kids are getting dosed up with antibiotics for every cough and sneeze, plus more C-sections and less breastfeeding these days. That means babies don’t get the good bugs they’re supposed to, so their gut’s already playing catch up.
3. Bad Diagnoses : A bunch of IBD symptoms (think: endless diarrhea, losing weight, stomach pain that won’t quit) look just like a ton of other things in India like, say, TB in your gut. Docs mix them up all the time, so people get the wrong treatment or no treatment for way too long.
4. Not Enough Data or Experts : Most of what we know about IBD in India? Comes from a few hospitals or small studies here and there. There’s a giant question mark over a lot of the country, especially in rural spots where seeing a specialist is basically a miracle.
Why Early Diagnosis is Important?
IBD doesn’t just pop up overnight. The weird gut stuff might start years before anyone figures out what’s really going on. If you wait too long? You’re looking at scary stuff holes in your intestines, fistulas, even colon cancer. Not fun. Spot it early, though, and you’ve got a fighting chance: better meds, less time in the hospital, and life doesn’t have to suck so much.
Dr Hardik Parikh, Gastroenterologist suggest that the absence of early diagnosis exacerbates symptoms that could otherwise be managed or prevented. Gut health is not openly discussed in India due to stigma and low awareness, but rising cases and lifestyle-related risks make it more important than ever to diagnose IBD early and raise awareness to improve outcomes and provide timely treatment.
Plus, let’s not forget the shame thing. Talking about bowel problems is still taboo, so people (especially women) just keep quiet and hope it goes away.
World IBD Day 2023: Date, History, Significance and Facts
How to Actually Prevent IBD?
Dietary Changes: Food’s a big deal. Fiber from fruits, veggies, and whole grains is your gut’s BFF. All those classic Indian fermented things curd, dosa, kanji bring back good bacteria. Dump the processed snacks and fizzy drinks, they just mess you up more. Eatables like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fish (omega-3s) can really help your gut microbiome.
Start Early: If you’re a parent, breastfeeding is gold for your kid’s gut. Skip unnecessary antibiotics for babies unless you absolutely need to. Also, C-sections? Only if you have to. Natural birth helps babies get those protective microbes from mom.
Physical Activity: Moving around helps your gut and your immune system. Smoking is a massive no-go, especially for Crohn’s. And if you’re stressed out all the time, that’s just pouring fuel on the fire. Yoga, meditation, whatever helps you relax it’s not just hippie stuff, it actually works.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, stomach pain, blood in the toilet, losing weight for no reason don’t play tough guy/girl, go see a doctor. Especially if IBD runs in your family. Tests like colonoscopies aren’t fun, but neither is ignoring the problem. More awareness in schools and villages would go a long way to getting people help before things blow up.
Ayurveda With Some Caution: Some herbs, like ashwagandha, are being checked out for their anti-inflammatory superpowers. Ayurveda’s got solid advice on food, lifestyle, and mental health, just don’t go DIY with herbs talk to a Ayurvedic practitioner. And remember, what works for your neighbor might not work for you. This line of treatment is personal.
Whether you’re a doctor, a patient, or just someone reading this don’t wait, don’t hide, and don’t ignore your gut (literally). Early diagnosis and honest conversations are your best bet for living well, not just surviving. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
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