Edinburgh is the global hotspot for inflammatory bowel disease rates

Edinburgh has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world and this number is expected to increase in the next 10 years.

The researchers say that one in 125 people in the city is suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

They predict that this figure will rise to 1 in 98 by 2028, further burdening the NHS resources.

The University of Edinburgh study shows that Crohn's disease affects 284 people out of 100,000 in the Scottish capital. The highest rate in the world is 322 out of 100,000 in Hesse, Germany.

Ulcerative colitis affects 432 people out of 100,000 in Edinburgh – the second largest in the south-east of Norway, where it affects 505 out of every 100,000 people.

These researchers apply in general to the rest of Scotland, the United Kingdom and the Western world.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are debilitating diseases that last a lifetime and are not cured. They are characterized by highly unpredictable and intrusive symptoms, such as diarrhea, pain, weight loss and extreme fatigue.

The cause is unknown, but it is thought that it is due to an overactive gut immune reaction in genetically predisposed individuals. The composition of normal intestinal bacteria and diet can also play an important role.

Although patients with IBD require regular treatment and monitoring, their mortality condition is low. Experts say this, combined with the aging of the population, means that the number of elderly people with IBD is expected to increase in the coming years.

The study was published in the scientific journal Intestine.

Dr. Gareth-Rhys Jones, clinical lecturer in IBD at the University of Edinburgh's Inflammation Research Center, said: "IBDs too often disrupt the lives of patients and patients. their families Our results underscore that more resources are needed to provide patients with the research, treatment and care they deserve. "

Dr. Charlie Lees, a gastroenterology consultant at Edinburgh's IBD unit, added, "There is no doubt that IBD is becoming a global pandemic." This study provides much needed data and can be used from stepping stones to new pivotal studies. "

Sarah Sleet, CEO of Crohn's & Colitis UK, said: "This important study contributes to the growing evidence that the prevalence of IBD is significantly higher than currently recognized."