'Get Gutsy' campaign launched to raise awareness of bowel disease

THE LACK OF understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been highlighted by new research which shows that 60 per cent of the population mistakenly believe the disease is preventable, curable and not that prevalent.

An estimated 15,000 Irish people suffer from IBD, with the vast majority diagnosed when they are between the ages of 15 and 30 years. IBD is a name for a group of disorders which cause inflammation of the intestine, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The research was released yesterday by St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, in partnership with MSD, which is launching a new campaign called “Get Gutsy” to heighten public awareness and understanding of IBD.

The campaign aims to encourage people who may be suffering from symptoms associated with IBD to visit their GP without delay and to make available to people already diagnosed with the disease advice and information through the Get Gutsy website.

The research into understanding IBD showed that 52 per cent of those surveyed could not name any symptoms for the condition, which can include abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, urgent and/or bloody diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, extreme tiredness, nausea and fever.

People who may be displaying these symptoms or who are already diagnosed with IBD can visit the website getgutsy.ie for information and advice. Those diagnosed with the condition can also download a smartphone app, which will allow them to track their symptoms, plan their medication and medical appointments.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Prof Hugh Mulcahy, consultant gastroenterologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, said: “IBD is very prevalent for a disease which strikes so young and which is so debilitating. However, treatments are constantly improving, so if someone is concerned about changes in bowel habits, nausea and unexplained weight loss, they should visit their GP as soon as possible.”