Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) are non-communicable and long-term disorders caused by a malfunction in the immune system, where the body’s defense mechanisms continuously attack its own tissues. The ongoing inflammation in the body can damage various organs, leading to structural changes and deterioration. It is estimated that around 10% of people in Europe and the USA will develop a chronic inflammatory disease at some point in their lives.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are two common chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) that significantly impact the quality of life of individuals living with these diseases, causing pain and long-term health complications. By 2030, more than 1.5% of the European population is expected to be affected by RA and IBD. These conditions already place a significant financial burden, with medical costs ranging from €3,000 to €8,000 per person living with these diseases each year, along with 40-80 lost workdays per individual, leading to a total annual cost of over €60 billion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium – the protective lining of the joints – triggering inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. It most commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles, leading to symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and persistent discomfort. Many individuals with RA also experience fatigue and, in some cases, a low-grade fever. Beyond the joints, RA can have systemic effects, potentially impacting the eyes, heart, circulatory system, and lungs, making it a complex condition that requires comprehensive management.
Around 2.3 million people in Europe receive a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis annually
RA is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can also affect young adults
RA affects mostly women, occurring three times more often in females than in males
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss, but can also present with severe complications and co-morbidities, such as fistulae and colorectal cancer. The exact cause of IBD is unclear, but it is believed to involve an overactive immune response.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the colon and rectum. Its severity can vary, with periods of remission and flare-ups. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract and impacts deeper layers of tissue, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon. Crohn’s disease is progressive and tends to worsen over time, often affecting the small intestine, colon, or both.
2.5–3 million individuals in Europe are affected by IBD
The onset of IBD typically occurs between the ages of 15 and 40
IBD impacts both men and women fairly equally