Hope for IBD patients in UAE: Doctor suggests easy measures to cope up with the disease

Doctors have often noticed that due to low understanding of the disease, patients often suffer from their symptoms in silence for fear of embarrassment till the symptoms get really severe.

• Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are most affected and this tends to severely affect their work as well as personal lives1
• Doctors and hospitals are increasing efforts to help patients through introduction of specialized units and encouraging people for early detection

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 4, 2013: IBD or inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic diseases which affects the digestive system of the human body. Primarily Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the most common form of IBD, characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestines resulting in symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and weight loss affecting day-to-day functioning of normal human beings. In the initial stages, these symptoms can recur after long periods due to which it is often ignored by patients. Dr. Adnan Abu Hammour-Head of Abu Hamour Medical Center encourages early identification of the symptoms and suggests simple measures which can help patients cope up with the disease and lead normal lives.

“Symptoms like loss of appetite, blood in stool, diarrhea, ulcers and weight loss are the early indications of IBD. Early diagnosis of the disease can help in controlling the disease and stop it from spreading further.  Delay in the diagnosis and treatment may not reverse the damage that has already occurred. Through an individualized management plan involving accurate medication, lifestyle modification and balanced nutrition patients can function normally”, says Dr. Adnan Abu Hammour.

The suggested measures are:

• Do not ignore your symptoms. Identify them and consult your doctor.
• Accept your condition. It will help you in managing and controlling the disease.
• Enjoy a balanced nutritional diet with proper portion control and plenty of fluid. Eating small frequent meals is helpful rather than big meals.
• Regular exercise and good sleep
• Avoid substances which can add to the inflammation like smoking and alcohol
• Gain knowledge about the condition and help your family understand it too

“We often come across patients in the advanced stages of IBD who had ignored the symptoms due to lack of understanding. Some of them tend to suffer from low confidence, even depression, not knowing how to manage the symptoms”, adds Dr. Adnan Abu Hammour.
Dr. Adnan Abu Hammour, a leading gastroenterologist and hepatologist in UAE, has been instrumental in setting up Abu Hamour Medical Centre which specializes in Gastroenterology and internal medicine. Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome is one of the key conditions treated at the center.