IBD (General)
At Ampersand Health, we aim to support people living with inflammatory conditions such as IBD, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. In this article we share some of the latest statistics and research available to reflect the state of IBD in 2022 in the UK and beyond.
What are Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis?
Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are two of the most commonly diagnosed inflammatory bowel diseases (abbreviated IBD). Although they both cause inflammation in the digestive system, there are some important differences between them. The main difference is that ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine, while inflammation from Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. There are other differences that distinguish one condition from the other. Importantly, IBD and IBS are very different conditions. IBS is a non life-threatening condition that affects the digestive tract whereas IBD is an issue of the immune system that requires intensive medical management.
We discuss the differences in this article: IBS vs. IBD: How can I tell the difference?
How common is IBD in the UK?
Research conducted by Crohn’s & Colitis UK in 2022 suggests 1 in every 123 people in the UK have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This amounts to a total of nearly half a million people in the UK living with IBD. Therefore, although IBD is not that common, it still impacts a significant amount of people in the UK.
Importantly, research also suggests that there is a significant chance of comorbidity between IBD and other inflammatory diseases. This means that people who have already received a diagnosis of IBD are more likely to be diagnosed with other inflammatory diseases in the future.
How common is IBD in the US?
In 2015, the CDC estimated 1.3% of adults, which amounts to a total of 3 million people in the US, to be living with IBD.
How common is IBD worldwide?
According to the EFCCA, there are 10 million people worldwide living with IBD. However, this may be higher — if the same prevalence of 1% or more that is true in the UK and the US applies to most other western countries.
Is IBD on the rise?
A recent study of cases in the UK found that IBD cases have risen by 33% between 2006 and 2016. In the US, the CDC has similarly noted an increase in cases. This trend appears to be similar worldwide.
What percentage of people get IBD?
In the UK, 0.81% of adults are estimated to be living with IBD. This increases with age which is why this year’s World IBD day 2022 is focussed on increasing the awareness of how IBD affects the elderly population.
Read more about World IBD Day 2022 here.What is the life expectancy of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease?
While a recent study found that life expectancy in those with IBD is slightly lower than those without, the focus is on the significant impact IBD can have on quality of life. According to the St Mark’s Hospital Foundation, 70% of Crohn’s sufferers and 30% of people with ulcerative colitis will require surgery at least once in their lifetime.
What should I do if I suspect I might have IBD?
While IBD commonly presents itself during one’s youth, it is possible to receive an IBD diagnosis at any age. IBD can affect your likelihood of developing other diseases, so it’s important that you receive appropriate care as soon as symptoms arise. There are many treatment options available that can considerably increase quality of life for those with IBD. Make an appointment to discuss any concerns with your GP.
How IBD is managed
IBD can be managed through multiple approaches, most likely including medication and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress management.
Ampersand Health’s My IBD Care app is a great tool for those looking to self-manage their condition. The app offers tracking tools (including a stool tracker), expert-led courses, and a library of resources that are readily available for users to explore. For those who have a hospital signed up to the app, their clinical team is able to monitor tracking and activity on the app so that they can provide their patients with better care.
If you are interested in learning more about My IBD Care’s remote monitoring system for your hospital, let us know at info@ampersandhealth.co.uk
