Digestive and Metabolic Diseases

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic conditions involving inflammation of the digestive tract, primarily ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These disorders cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. They can also result in complications beyond the gut, affecting the skin, eyes, joints, and liver.

Although the exact causes are not fully understood, a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, environmental triggers, and gut microbiota imbalance is believed to play a role. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of endoscopy, biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to assess inflammation and rule out infections.

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and maintaining long-term remission. Options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways, and nutritional support. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary when medical therapies fail.

This session highlights current research into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, emerging treatment strategies, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in patient care.

Key Topics:

• Differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

• Immunologic and environmental factors

• Role of gut microbiota in inflammation

• Biologic therapies and immunomodulators

• Surgical management in advanced cases

• Nutritional support and dietary therapy

• Patient-centered care and long-term monitoring