6 keys to improve quality of life when suffering from IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that describes various disorders involving chronic inflammation of the tissues of the digestive tract. Among the different types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Although they present similar symptomatology, they present different courses and affectations. As recommendations to improve the quality of life of people suffering from either of these two diseases, we could highlight the following:

1. Face the disease as a new situation we have to live with and not as an inconvenience. Unfortunately, IBD has no cure so, although at the beginning it may be particularly complicated, it will be necessary to accept it and integrate it into our routine.
2. The disease is not the protagonist of our life. Although in times of flare-up it seems to be, it is important to keep in mind that both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic but manageable diseases. The beginnings are hard, but once the disease is under control it is easy to forget about it and it is equally important to follow the recommendations indicated by the doctor.
3. Receiving specialized care and access to truthful and contrasted information will be essential since IBD is complex and only specialized and up-to-date health professionals will be able to provide us with the tools we need. Trust the professionals and do not be left with doubts.
4. Balanced diet, exercise and avoiding bad habits. Whether you suffer from IBD or not, these would be good recommendations for anyone, but in the case of these diseases, they are especially important.
5. Adherence to treatment is key to making it work. As patients, it is also our responsibility to follow the indicated treatment regimen so that the approach is effective.
6. Communicate with your doctor. As we mentioned before, IBD is a chronic disease and this means that the doctor-patient relationship will have a long journey and therefore it will be essential that you communicate your doubts, concerns and also the potential adverse effects that may arise from the treatment.

It is important to highlight that due to the chronic nature of the disease and the fact that it will it will stay with us at different stages of life, it is difficult to foresee how it will progress. This situation generates stress, uncertainty and insecurity so it will be essential to understand that you are not alone and that you can ask for help. Especially in times of flare-up, when you feel weakened and limited to carry out your day-to-day activities, living with the disease is really challenging, so taking care of your mental and emotional health at this time is as important as treating the physical symptoms.