They are no longer just Western "lifestyle diseases".
A new global analysis shows how these inflammatory diseases are rapidly increasing - even in regions where they were previously nearly unheard of.
First cases appeared in the West
Ulcerative colitis was first described in the UK in 1859, while Crohn’s disease gained recognition in the US in 1932.
For decades, these diseases remained rare - until after World War II, when cases began to surge in North America and Europe.
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A global wave of bowel disease is underway
Researchers from the University of Calgary and the Chinese University of Hong Kong now warn of a "global disease wave".
In a study published in Nature, they project that over seven million people in Europe and the US alone will be living with IBD by 2030.
Four phases map the disease's global spread
Scientists have identified four distinct phases in the worldwide spread of these illnesses: emergence, accelerating incidence, compounding prevalence, and equilibrium.
These phases provide a framework to understand how - and how fast - the diseases are advancing.
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Phase 1: First cases emerge
It all begins with isolated incidents. This phase occurred in the US and Europe during the mid-20th century.
Today, many African countries are in this phase - cases are starting to appear, but diagnosis is often delayed due to limited healthcare infrastructure.
Phase 2: Rapid surge in new cases
This stage is marked by a sharp rise in newly diagnosed patients.
The Faroe Islands, for instance, recorded the world’s highest incidence rate in 2011 - 73.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
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Similar trends are now being observed in middle-income countries like China and Brazil.
Phase 3: More people living with the disease
While new diagnoses level off, the total number of people living with IBD keeps growing.
These diseases often start in young adulthood and aren’t fatal, which means patients live with them for decades. This stage is typical in many developed nations today.
Phase 4: Stabilization of total cases
Some countries - like Denmark, Scotland, and Canada - appear to be entering this phase, where the total number of cases stabilizes.
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However, this doesn’t mean the impact is any less severe. Millions still face daily life with chronic symptoms.
Not deadly, but deeply disruptive
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are incurable and occur in flare-ups.
Their symptoms can significantly reduce quality of life, and if left untreated, they may increase the risk of premature death.
Managing these conditions requires ongoing care and attention.
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Diagnosing the diseases is complex
Ulcerative colitis often starts in the rectum and can be detected via a sigmoidoscopy - a procedure that examines the lower part of the colon.
Crohn’s disease, on the other hand, can affect any part of the digestive tract and usually requires a full colonoscopy for diagnosis.
More children and teens are affected
One of the most alarming developments is the increasing number of cases among children and adolescents.
This trend is adding pressure to already strained healthcare systems and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and effective prevention.
Lifestyle is a major factor
Studies indicate that Western lifestyle habits - like high sugar consumption, processed foods, and low physical activity - play a key role in the spread of these diseases.
As more people adopt such behaviors globally, the risk of IBD continues to rise.
This article is based on information from T-online.de.