Inflammatory bowel disease is incurable. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't seek treatment for it. Leaving the disease untreated can worsen the symptoms and put you at a high risk of frequent flare-ups and can cause irreversible bowel damage. Furthermore, not seeking treatment for IBD can also put you at the right of several other health complications. Needless to mention, the drastic impact the progression of the disease will have on the quality of your life.
To help you better understand why IBD should never be left untreated, here we're listing the complications the two major inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to.
The Risks of Untreated Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a progressive disease, but the right treatment can help slow down its progression. Without treatment, the disease progresses much faster, causing inflammation and damage to the colon's inner lining.
In addition to making your regular symptoms much worse, untreated ulcerative colitis can also cause:
Loss of appetite
Nutritional deficiencies
Anemia
Unintended weight loss
Swollen abdomen
Increased heartbeat
Rectal bleeding
Bowel perforation
Higher risk of developing colon cancer
Not seeking treatment for ulcerative colitis can also interfere with the growth and development of children.
The Risks of Untreated Crohn's Disease
The complications that can result from leaving Crohn's disease untreated include:
Bowel obstruction
Fistula, which, if not treated, can get infected and form an abscess that could be life-threatening
Malnutrition
Ulcers
Anal fissure
Higher risk of colon cancer
Some More Health Risks of Not Treating IBD
In addition to the complications mentioned above, untreated inflammatory bowel disease can also lead to the following health issues:
Bone loss, which can also lead to osteoporosis
Eye inflammation
Arthritis
Liver and kidney disorders
Intestinal strictures
Higher risk of intestinal cancer
Skin issues, such as bumps, rashes, sores, skin tags, and lesions
Mental health issues, like stress and depression
Higher risk of premature delivery and low birth weight
The Final Word
Many of these complications may not be noticeable in the short run. However, not getting treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is like sitting on a time bomb. The repercussions can be disastrous.
IBD may be incurable, but timely and consistent treatment can help keep the disease under control and improve the quality of life.
The stress of having an incurable disease is already high enough. Don't make your life more difficult by avoiding treatment. Get in touch with an IBD specialist at your earliest (if you haven't done that already), and make sure to strictly follow the treatment plan and lifestyle modifications they suggest.
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