Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Lifelong health management
When you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you may be at a higher risk of some infections, metabolic bone disease, certain cancers, and mental health conditions. This can be because of your IBD or because of treatment, like medicines that weaken your immune system.
Taking steps to manage and maintain your health is important if you have IBD, especially if you are getting or planning to start treatment that weakens your immune system (immunosuppressive treatments).
Maintaining your health includes getting immunizations and being screened and monitored for certain cancers, depression, and osteoporosis.
Immunization
In general, adults with IBD follow Alberta’s routine immunization schedule. If you are planning to start immunosuppressive treatments, make sure that your regular immunizations are up to date. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccines are also recommended for adults starting immunosuppressive treatments. The best time to update your immunizations is when you are newly diagnosed with IBD, before you may need immunosuppressive treatments.
If you are currently on immunosuppressive treatments, do not get live vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider, public health nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about immunizations.
Bone health
People with IBD may be at increased risk of osteoporosis because of chronic inflammation or because of steroid medicines. Your healthcare provider may order a bone density scan to monitor for osteoporosis or they may ask you to start taking vitamin D supplements.
Cancer screening and prevention
If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that involves the colon, you have an increased risk of colon cancer. Your risk is even higher if you have a family history of colon cancer, a liver condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or if you have ongoing and difficult to control inflammation. Your healthcare provider will typically start screening for colon cancer about 8 to 10 years after you were diagnosed with IBD.
If you are on immunosuppressive treatments, you may have a higher risk of skin cancers. Practice sun safety by staying in the shade and using sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Have a skin exam with your family doctor or dermatologist one time every year.
You may also be at increased risk for cervical cancer on immunosuppressive treatments. You should get regular screening for cervical cancer with your family doctor. You may need screening more often than people without IBD.
Smoking
Smoking can lead to higher risk of a flare up, make treatments less effective, increase your risk of needing surgery, and increase your risk of having Crohn’s disease come back after surgery. Find resources to help quit smoking at AlbertaQuits.
Mental health
Research has shown that changes in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to changes in the brain and that changes in the brain can lead to changes in the gastrointestinal tract. This relationship is called the gut-brain connection. For people with IBD, these links mean that your mood and mental health are very important to your ability to be well and feel well.
Stress and anxiety are important to monitor. Both of these feelings can trigger IBD symptoms. Learn more about managing the emotional and social aspects of IBD.
Diet and nutrition
When you have IBD, especially when the disease is active, you are at risk of not getting enough nutrition.
While there is no single way of eating that works for everyone, there are some foods that may help to lower inflammation and manage your symptoms. Learn more at Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Diet.
Physical activity and exercise
Being active and exercising regularly has many benefits for people with IBD. It may help improve mental health, reduce inflammation, increase bone health, and help prevent symptoms.
For more information about maintaining your health with IBD, visit IBD: Lifelong health management.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_ibd_lifelong_health_management_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: September 25, 2024
Author: Digestive Health SCN, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
