Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week

About gastrointestinal diseases

When thinking of everyday ailments, abdominal and intestinal distress typically comes to mind. When these pains become episodal, it could be due to gastrointestinal disease. Two common GI afflictions are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are both on the rise – especially among young people in their teens and early twenties. The two most common symptoms are severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, but patients usually experience accompanying weight loss, fatigue, and skin, liver, and eye issues.

Despite the symptoms being often uncontrollable, most people with Crohn’s or colitis do not consider it a disability. However, due to this condition requiring frequent bathroom breaks, many people miss out on education or work opportunities every day. As a result, they live increasingly isolated lives, and it can lead to anxiety and depression.

Today, doctors recognize no cure for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a chronic disease, and proper medication and care are needed to relieve the symptoms and help the patients live a more comfortable life.

Crohn’s and colitis awareness week’s history

For many years, signs and symptoms of colitis were associated with different medical conditions. However, it was not until the final years of the 19th century that physicians used the term “ulcerative colitis” for the first time. Crohn’s disease’s symptoms were identified almost forty years later.

In the 50s, Suzanne Rosenthal, a woman in her twenties, was experiencing fever and severe abdominal pain. Unfortunately, doctors couldn’t correctly diagnose her until they found out she finally had Crohn’s disease. However, since no treatment was available to cure her symptoms, Suzanne and her husband created an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about Crohn’s disease.

Observing Crohn’s and colitis awareness week

In 2023, this important week serves as a platform to educate the public, advocate for patients, and shed light on the challenges faced by people with these chronic conditions. It offers an opportunity to increase understanding about the impact of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis on the lives of millions worldwide and emphasizes the urgent need for improved treatments and support for those affected.

Here are some actions you can take to participate in this week’s observance actively:

It’s time to take care of our digestive health. Learn and collect all the information you can to make proper lifestyle and dietary changes and prevent digestive issues. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cannot be cured entirely, but their symptoms can be managed and reduced through adequate care and medication.

How can Signature help IBD patients?

Recent statistics have estimated that a significant number of Americans, around 1.6 million, are affected by IBD. Moreover, the United States reports over 70,000 new cases of IBD every year.

The success of the awareness is only possible with the strength and dedication of the entire community. As a part of it, we are proud to provide the best support for patients and their families, either for helping with the most disabling symptoms of the disease or providing skilled and compassionate home health care.