Experts warn against ignoring bloody diarrhoea and recurrent abdominal cramps

Do not ignore symptoms of bloody diarrhoea or recurring abdominal cramps.

TANGERANG (ANTARA) – Professor Murdani Abdullah, a Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Eka Hospital MT Haryono in Jakarta, stated that digestive issues that do not improve with common antacids or diarrhoea medication may indicate chronic bowel inflammation or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

He explained that IBD differs from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is a functional disorder without tissue damage. IBD, however, is a serious condition causing ulcers and bleeding in the bowel.

Medically, there are two main types of chronic bowel inflammation: ulcerative colitis, which affects only the large intestine and rectum, characterised by widespread open sores on the digestive tract lining leading to persistent bleeding.

Crohn’s disease, meanwhile, involves inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. ‘Additionally, Crohn’s inflammation can penetrate the full thickness of the bowel wall unpredictably,’ Prof Murdani said in Tangerang on Tuesday.

Symptoms include lower abdominal or around the navel cramps, often painful after eating. Drastic weight loss without dieting occurs as inflamed intestines fail to absorb nutrients.

Persistent fatigue despite rest, caused by the body’s energy depletion fighting inflammation or anaemia, as well as low-grade fever and excessive sweating due to the immune system’s response to active infection and inflammation.

‘The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, but experts confirm it involves immune system dysfunction. The patient’s immune system malfunctions, aggressively attacking healthy cells in the digestive tract instead of fighting viruses or bacteria,’ he said.

‘Delaying IBD treatment can lead to life-threatening complications; therefore, immediate medical assessment is crucial,’ he added.

‘Although IBD is a chronic condition with no complete cure, medical treatment can significantly reduce inflammation, leading to remission.’

‘Treatment options include medication, dietary adjustments, and surgery if drugs are ineffective or serious complications such as bowel perforation or obstruction occur.’

‘Do not ignore symptoms of bloody diarrhoea or recurring abdominal cramps. Early diagnosis using modern procedures such as colonoscopy is critical to prevent permanent bowel damage,’ he said.