Ulcerative Colitis

What is it?

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease belong to a group of conditions known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by an abnormal response from the body’s immune system to food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine that are mistaken for foreign substances.

in Lebanon, nearly

0

People are living with Chron's Disease
Estimating

0

New cases diagnosed each year

Ulcerative Colitis most often impacts ages of

15 - 30

However anyone can be affected by Ulcerative Colitis at any age

Studies have shown that Ulcerative colitis is triggered by a genetic predisposition in some patients: about 15% of those affected have a close relative (parent, child or sibling) with an IBD. Environmental factors also play a role in Crohn’s disease; it is more common in developed countries and urban areas, other factors include viruses, bacteria, diet and stress.

How is Ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of infection, inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI longer periods tract.

Symptoms

IBD_icons

Patients may experience episodes of disease activity, or flare-ups, followed by periods where symptoms are less severe

Management of Ulcerative Colitis

The main goal of treatment is to

Decrease

inflammation. Treatments may act to relieve symptoms acutely or for long-term maintenance.

Up to

0%

of patients will eventually require surgery when medical therapy is no longer effective or complications arise.

After

8 to10

Years with Ulcerative Colitis, risk for colorectal cancer increases gradually, specifically in patients with suboptimal treatment and persistent inflammation.

Ulcerative Colitis affects people in many ways including social and psychological factors:

- Location Toilets in public spaces

- Preparing for Accidents

- Planning for longer periods of travel

- Restlessness

- Loss of Appetite

- Anxiety

- Fatigue and Insomnia

- Depression and Stress

Value of Patients Organizations

Overarching Principal of Advocacy

Representation

Mobilization

Empowerment

Crohn’s disease is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and capsule (or double-balloon) endoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI tract.

Policy

  • Understand patient priorities and experience
  • Advocate perspective of end-users in health services design
  • Active participation in policy making process
  • Channel the voice of Patients
  • Contribute to policy development at all stages

Capacity Building & Education

  • Strenghten organizational management and governace structure
  • Act as capacity developpers
  • Produce health-related information and develop guidelines
  • Translate health information and educate patients
  • Build capacity by investment in patients and community

Peer Support

  • Provide Permanent monitoring and counseling
  • Provide legal and financial support
  • Co-deliver self-management education and expand various types of support onto wider community

Research & Development

  • Being active research collaboratoes, partly through data collection
  • Encourage involvelemt of patients in early stages of R&D
  • Help navigate regulatory process
  • Involvment in co-design, development , application and monitoring of disruptive innovations for healthcare
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