"Toronto Doctor"

(NC)—Even though Canada has among the highest reported prevalence rates of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the world, with over 200,000 Canadians living with these diseases, not many people are familiar with the signs and symptoms of either disease, which may go undetected for years before a proper diagnosis is made.

Both UC and CD are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which literally means ‘inflammation of the bowel’.  For someone with IBD, inflammation of the gut becomes a chronic or lifelong state.  However, there are treatment options available, as well as support and information from various patient associations such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research and the Gastrointestinal Society and March IBD Care Foundation, which can help patients manage their disease.

“Finding the right treatment option for patients with IBD can significantly improve their quality of life, as their intestinal tissue tends to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily, which can result in severe pain, and diarrhea.  Biologics are the latest generation of medications that are a safe and effective treatment option to help block or reduce inflammation relieving symptoms associated with IBD, avoiding life-altering effects of surgery, and in most instances allowing patients to enjoy life without limitations” explains Dr. Brian Bressler, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia.

To better understand the differences between these two diseases, the following chart provides some fast facts on CD and UC.

For more information on Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, speak with your family doctor or visit www.ihaveoptions.ca.

(NC)—Many of the approximately one million Canadians living with psoriasis may be faced with physical or emotional challenges as they struggle with public misperceptions and stigmas of this painful, chronic immune disorder that affects the skin.

Published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JCMS), a survey of Canadians with psoriasis called pSoriasis Knowledge IN Canada (SKIN), reveals that the debilitating skin condition presents a substantial problem for them in their daily lives.

The SKIN survey included questions about burden of illness, and revealed that two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents agreed with the statement that psoriasis ranks among the top two illnesses in terms of its impact on quality of life out of ten of the worst diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

“Psoriasis can have such a significant negative impact on people’s lives – not just physically, but also emotionally and socially. Previous studies show that people with psoriasis report a reduction in physical and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, heart disease and depression,” says Dr. Charles Lynde, SKIN co-author and dermatologist. “SKIN reinforces the need for a greater recognition of the burden of illness this disease carries, as well as more effective treatment and management.”

It’s important for patients with psoriasis symptoms to consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Treatments for psoriasis include topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic therapies taken by pill or injection. Newer biological therapies work on the body’s immune system, treat psoriasis symptoms differently than other medications, and are available to treat moderate to severe forms of the disease.

More information about psoriasis and treatment options is available online at www.psoriasisconnections.ca.