How to talk to someone about their chronic illness, potential biomarker found for IBD, UC flare tips

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Are Your Crohn’s Symptoms Better or Worse? (5 minute read)

The article discusses the importance of tracking symptoms for individuals with Crohn's disease. It highlights that tracking helps doctors better understand day-to-day experiences, improving treatment. Rapid response to emerging flares through tracking can prevent hospital visits. Tracking methods vary based on disease activity, with caution against excessive monitoring of pain. Beyond bowel movements, complications like fatigue and abdominal pain are crucial to monitor. Various apps like GI Buddy, Colitis Diary, and Colitis Tracker offer convenient ways to track symptoms, providing valuable insights. The future may involve real-time tracking for enhanced doctor-patient communication. Overall, symptom tracking is essential for evaluating and managing Crohn's disease effectively.

‘Silence can be incredibly hurtful’: How to talk to someone about their chronic illness (5 minute read)

The author, who has a chronic illness, reflects on the puzzling and inappropriate comments people make about natural remedies. They express frustration at the confusion surrounding their condition and the silence from friends and relatives. Silence, often attributed to fear of intruding, can be hurtful, reinforcing feelings of isolation. Psychotherapist Sophie Boord emphasizes the need to acknowledge chronic illness, offering simple ways to check in respectfully, like asking, "How's your health?" The article encourages open conversations, suggesting ways to approach the topic without being intrusive. Boord and counselor Bronwyn Bickle emphasize the importance of respecting privacy and practicing active listening when discussing chronic illnesses, ultimately advocating for normalizing these conversations to reduce stigma and isolation.

Potential biomarker found for inflammatory bowel disease (3 minute read)

Researchers at the University of California San Diego pioneered "reverse metabolomics," combining organic synthesis, data science, and mass spectrometry. They discovered hundreds of novel molecules in the human body, forming a metabolomic signature for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These molecules could serve as biomarkers for IBD diagnosis or therapeutic targets. The study, published in Nature, employed a unique approach, synthesizing molecules, defining their barcodes, and matching them to publicly available metabolomics data, unveiling new insights into human physiology. The findings suggest potential therapeutics for IBD, such as drugs targeting these molecules or live microbe-containing pills.

Exploring prevalence patterns of CD and UC in the US, Canada, 5EU, and Japan (3 minute read)

The diagnosed prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) are projected to rise from two million cases in 2023 to 2.1 million cases by 2031, according to GlobalData. Crohn’s disease (CD) and UC, forms of inflammatory bowel disease, exhibit geographic variations influenced by factors like genetics and diet. The US and five European markets show increasing prevalence, attributed to heightened awareness, patient recognition, and population dynamics. Japan, although with a lower prevalence, has seen a rise, potentially linked to dietary westernization. Recognizing these trends is crucial for tailoring public health interventions and improving disease management.

My #1 UC Flare Tip (5 minute read)

Social media influencers, including TikTok's Matty Bowels and Ranting Ma, share strategies for managing UC flares. Tips include maintaining a well-equipped "survival kit" with essentials like diapers and medications, consulting a specialized dietitian for flare-friendly foods, staying hydrated despite potential appetite loss, and creating a comfortable space during fatigue-inducing flares. Managing stress, staying connected, using liquid nutrition shakes, and prioritizing self-care during flare-ups are crucial. The UC community provides support, emphasizing that the disease doesn't define individuals, and there's hope with proper treatment and a supportive community.

Depression, UTIs, and Constipation Are More Common in People Who Are Later Diagnosed With MS (3 minute read)

A study published in Neurology reveals that individuals later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to experience conditions like depression, constipation, sexual issues, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) five years before diagnosis. Lupus and Crohn's disease, both autoimmune conditions, also show a higher likelihood of these conditions. The research suggests that MS's biological mechanisms may be triggered years before neurological symptoms appear. However, these symptoms are common in autoimmune diseases, making early MS diagnosis challenging. The study involved comparing 20,000 MS-diagnosed individuals with 55,000 without MS and others with Crohn's disease or lupus. The findings aim to enhance understanding of early MS signs and the shared disease processes causing symptoms like UTIs, sexual dysfunction, and constipation. Limitations include unavailability of data on factors influencing MS risk. The study emphasizes that not all individuals with these symptoms will develop MS, underlining the need for further research.

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve Reduces Chronic Inflammation for Children With IBD (3 minute read)

Non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve through the ear shows promise in reducing inflammation for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A clinical trial utilized transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) for short and long-term periods, leading to symptom improvement in some participants. The vagus nerve's role in controlling inflammation was targeted through electrical stimulation, offering a potential alternative or additive to existing pharmacologic therapies for children with IBD. The study suggests further exploration of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation as a viable treatment option.