There’s a steady rise in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic immune-mediated inflammation of the intestine, particularly among young adults, warned experts from Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital here on Saturday.

Speaking to media persons, the doctors said that IBD mainly includes two major conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Unlike temporary digestive illnesses, food intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome, these diseases cause persistent inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to ulcers, bleeding, weight loss, anaemia, intestinal narrowing, fistulae, and abscesses.

These chronic intestinal disorders commonly present with symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood in stools, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever and recurrent intestinal complaints. Some patients may additionally develop joint pain, skin lesions, eye inflammation, or liver-related disorders. Since these symptoms are frequently mistaken for common infections, piles, irritable bowel syndrome, or intestinal tuberculosis, diagnosis is often delayed for months or even years, the experts pointed out.

Senior consultant (Medical Gastroenterology) P L Alagammai said that IBD is no longer considered rare in India.

The rise in IBD cases is believed to be associated with rapid urbanisation, changing dietary patterns, reduced microbial diversity, antibiotic exposure, pollution, stress, sedentary lifestyles and improved detection methods. Diets rich in ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats and low fibre are also believed to alter the gut microbiome and contribute to intestinal inflammation.

In his comments, senior consultant and HoD (Surgical Gastroenterology) Mohan said “At Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital, we currently treat around 125 patients with IBD. In recent years, we have observed a clear increase in newly diagnosed cases, particularly among young adults and urban residents.

The experts said that although there is no guaranteed way to prevent IBD, the public can reduce risk and patients can reduce flare-ups by following a balanced, fibre-rich, minimally processed diet, preferring home-cooked food, avoiding smoking, limiting unnecessary antibiotic and painkiller use, exercising regularly, maintaining adequate sleep, managing stress, and seeking timely medical follow-up.