The initiative, which is touring the country, revealed that 80% of the people evaluated through its forms presented warning signs for Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
A public health campaign called “Escucha tu panza” (Listen to Your Gut) is shedding light on a medical reality that often goes unnoticed, hidden under the common diagnoses of “irritable colon” or “stress.” The initiative has identified over 120 suspected cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during its tour of the country.
The campaign, which has visited health fairs and universities, focuses on educating the population about the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease, two chronic conditions that can severely deteriorate quality of life without proper diagnosis and treatment.
The data collected is revealing: of the 1,413 forms completed by people who approached the campaign, 80% showed warning signs that warranted a more thorough medical evaluation.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
It is crucial to differentiate IBD from more common conditions. Unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is a functional disorder, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease are inflammatory, chronic, and autoimmune diseases. In these conditions, the patient’s immune system attacks their own digestive tract, causing severe inflammation, ulceration, and tissue damage.
The symptoms go far beyond a simple “stomach ache.” The main warning signs the campaign seeks to highlight include:
- Persistent diarrhea (for more than four weeks)
- Chronic and intense abdominal pain
- Presence of blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent fever and extreme fatigue
The Importance of Early Detection
The primary goal of “Listen to Your Gut” is to promote early diagnosis. Currently, the cases detected as suspicious are being referred for medical valuation and diagnostic exams.
According to specialists, identifying these diseases in their early stages is key to starting treatment that can control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and prevent serious future complications, such as surgeries or severe malnutrition.
The campaign continues its educational work, urging the population not to normalize chronic pain and to seek specialized medical attention if they present any of the aforementioned warning signs.
