CCU Navarra (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Association) emphasizes that despite advances in treatment, half of those affected cannot control the disease, which has a profound impact on their daily lives. For this reason, and also on the occasion of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day this Sunday, it is launching various activities such as information tables, lighting official buildings in purple and the #SomosUno campaign in collaboration with the national ACCU with the aim of raising awareness of these pathologies, highlighting the importance comprehensive care and conduct research.
Inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are a disease that is currently incurable and that affects about 3,000 people in Navarre in various ways: from mild cases to others requiring surgical intervention, and in recent decades there has been a constant height. It usually goes on a rollercoaster ride, with periods of exacerbation and remission, causing symptoms such as abdominal and joint pain, constant fatigue or an urgent need to go to the toilet.
A disease that, despite advances in its treatment combining biological therapy (probiotics) with traditional corticosteroids, is still not under control in half of the cases. This is indicated by a recent international study called the IBD Podcast, which provides numbers on the problem, detailing that 53.1% of patients with Crohn’s disease and 41.5% of patients with ulcerative colitis continue to experience exacerbations and changes that in in some cases they become serious.
“Each time it is possible to adjust treatment better, spread outbreaks more widely and control symptoms better, but the reality is that in many cases they still do not go away completely and consistently. This results in many people having acute episodes from time to time that force them to take sick leave or not leave the house due to pain preventing them from doing anything, or fear of not being able to find a toilet in a possible situation urinary incontinence. “, explains José. Ángel Martínez Fonseca, President of ACCU Navarra, a situation that determines the quality of life of the affected people. “You live with the fear of the outbreak, but also the fear of telling what is happening to you, because it is a disease that cannot be see that seeps in, which can lead to isolation and anxiety.”
For this reason, Martinez is committed to promoting research into new treatments while also emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive care to these individuals. “The impact of the disease is not only on the physical level, but also on the work, educational, social and emotional levels. Hence the importance of supporting associations such as ACCU Navarra, which inform and guide them so that they can cope with their situation and overcome the restrictions it creates in their daily lives.” In this regard, consider the new support program launched by ACCU – a free online support service for people with IBD and their families, designed to promote better self-care and quality of life.
Likewise, to publicize the disease and raise awareness of the reality of this group, ACCU Navarra and ACCU Nacional are promoting the “We are United” campaign on social media these days, as well as installing information signs at doors next Sunday morning. Pamplona City Council and illuminates various official buildings in purple. The campaign, which, again, aims to achieve “greater understanding and empathy for these people in environments such as family, social life, work or education, promoting the necessary adaptation so that affected people have the fewest restrictions and “they can live better.”
ACCU Navarra is a non-profit organization that offers support to people living with inflammatory bowel disease and their families through its approximately 200 affiliated community. The association, part of COCEMFE Navarra, works to promote personal autonomy, prevent addiction, protect their rights and support the recognition of the disease in all areas, providing services such as personalized information for newly diagnosed people and their families, guidance in the process. requesting disability recognition, quality improvement activities, or workshops to address the condition.
In detail
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis) are a set of chronic and inflammatory pathologies of the digestive tract, fundamentally different in location (colitis: colon only; Crohn’s disease: any part of the digestive tract). There is no cure, although there is a wide range of therapeutic options to try to control the disease and ensure the best possible quality of life, from immunosuppressives and biologics to surgery.