Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses chronic intestinal disorders, like ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, causing gastrointestinal (GI) tract inflammation. Saudi Arabia, particularly among pediatric populations, has seen an increasing prevalence of IBD. Clinical symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding, significantly impact patients’ lives, requiring lifelong medical care, especially for children. The study highlights the growing burden of IBD in Saudi Arabia due to insufficient epidemiological data and rising disease incidence. Early IBD diagnosis is crucial for successful management and improved outcomes. Effective treatments for mild to moderate UC, such as 5-aminosalicylic acid-based drugs like mesalazine and sulfasalazine, show promising results. However, patients may experience ongoing GI symptoms even after successful treatment, underscoring the need for comprehensive care. Frequent remissions and relapses pose a challenge, necessitating continuous monitoring and appropriate medical intervention. Untreated symptoms can negatively impact patients’ well-being and increase healthcare expenditures. Hence, exploring better approaches for long-term symptom control and mucosal repair is essential. In severe cases, surgical interventions like total colectomy become necessary, but the focus should be on optimizing medical therapies to reduce the need for drastic measures. In conclusion, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper management of IBD in Saudi Arabia are vital. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers are required to gather comprehensive epidemiological data and develop targeted strategies for improving IBD care. Addressing these challenges and opportunities can enhance the quality of life for IBD patients in Saudi Arabia and potentially alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.
Key words: Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease ulcerative colitis, Saudi Arabia.
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