Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a long-term condition that leads to inflammation in the digestive tract. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The global incidence of IBD saw an increase of 88.30% from 1990 to 2021. In 2021, there were 4.45 new cases per 100,000 people worldwide.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) type. The report highlights change in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

Disease Overview

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterised by prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract, primarily comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss, often disrupting daily life. IBD arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. While its exact cause remains unknown, certain triggers like infections, diet, and stress may exacerbate symptoms. IBD can lead to complications including intestinal damage or malnutrition and typically requires lifelong management through medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery in severe cases.

Epidemiology Overview

The epidemiology section for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provides insights into historical, current, and projected patient populations across the eight major markets. The Research analyses a broad range of studies to present both present-day and future trends in IBD. The report also outlines diagnosed patient segments and categorises data based on factors such as gender-specific prevalence and age-group distribution.

• A 2019 study estimated approximately 4.9 million global IBD cases, with China and the USA reporting the highest numbers 911,405 and 762,890 cases, respectively. Between 1990 and 2019, global age-adjusted mortality, DALYs, and prevalence rates declined.
• Another study found that up to 25% of IBD cases emerge during adolescence, although most diagnoses occur between ages 15 and 30, with a smaller second peak after 60.
• Additionally, significant regional variation in the proportion of young female patients has been noted, ranging from 26% to 62%. A 0.24% rise in female prevalence among young adults suggests an increasing burden among women.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

Treatment Overview

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that requires long-term management to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and type of inflammatory bowel disease, ranging from medications to surgical interventions. The aim of treatment is to induce and maintain remission, improving patients' quality of life. Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of drug therapies, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery.

1. Anti-inflammatory Drugs:

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aminosalicylates, are commonly used to reduce inflammation in the intestines. These drugs can be taken orally, topically, or via suppositories. They help control mild to moderate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and maintain remission. Patients often use these drugs during flare-ups and as a preventive measure to avoid future episodes.

2. Immunosuppressants:

Immunosuppressive drugs, including thiopurines and methotrexate, work by suppressing the immune system’s overactive response, which contributes to inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. These medications help manage moderate to severe cases and maintain long-term remission. They are usually prescribed when patients do not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs alone or when the condition worsens.

3. Biologic Therapies:

Biologic treatments such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) are designed to target specific immune system proteins responsible for inflammation. These biologics are used for moderate to severe IBD, particularly when other medications have failed. They are effective in inducing and maintaining remission, though they can have side effects such as increased infection risk.

4. Corticosteroids:

Corticosteroids like prednisone are used for short-term treatment during acute flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease. These drugs are effective at rapidly reducing inflammation, providing immediate relief from symptoms such as pain, swelling, and diarrhoea. However, long-term use is limited due to potential side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and increased infection risk.

5. Surgery:

In severe cases of IBD, when medications are no longer effective or complications arise, surgery may be necessary. For patients with ulcerative colitis, removal of the colon (colectomy) can be a curative procedure. For Crohn's disease, surgical options are more about managing complications, as the disease often recurs in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

Burden Analysis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) places a significant burden on patients' quality of life. The chronic nature of the disease, characterised by periods of flare-ups and remission, can lead to physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue, which affect daily activities. Patients often experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss, leading to missed work, school, and social events. Mental health is also impacted, with many individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the unpredictable nature of IBD. Long-term treatments and surgeries add to the financial and emotional strain, further deteriorating the overall well-being of affected individuals.

Key Epidemiology Trends

Epidemiological trends play a significant role in understanding the changing patterns and impact of diseases across different populations and regions. Tracking these trends helps to identify areas where intervention is needed, improves healthcare planning, and informs policy decisions. Several recent epidemiological trends are shaping the global burden of disease and influencing healthcare strategies.

1. Rising Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Younger Populations

Over recent decades, there has been an alarming rise in the incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) among children and young adults, particularly in developed countries. This trend is largely attributed to changes in diet, environmental factors, and urbanisation, leading to alterations in gut microbiota composition and immune system dysregulation. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, has traditionally been more prevalent in adults, but an increasing number of diagnoses in adolescents and children are now being reported. This early onset of disease can result in long-term health consequences, including chronic symptoms and disabilities, leading to a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

2. Increased Awareness and Early Detection of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The global healthcare community has placed more emphasis on early detection and diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which has resulted in higher reported cases. Improvements in diagnostic technologies, such as colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and faecal calprotectin testing, have led to earlier identification of the disease, especially in individuals with milder symptoms who might otherwise have been undiagnosed. The earlier detection allows for more effective management of the disease, potentially reducing the severity and long-term complications associated with untreated IBD. This has contributed to an apparent rise in the prevalence of the disease in various regions.

3. Geographic Shifts in the Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In the past, Inflammatory Bowel Disease was predominantly observed in Western countries such as North America and Europe, but in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of IBD in developing countries. This shift has been linked to changes in diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors as countries adopt Westernised habits. Nations in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are now reporting higher rates of IBD, particularly in urbanised populations, as they move away from traditional diets and experience increased industrialisation. This geographical shift is a crucial factor in understanding how IBD is spreading globally and in developing targeted interventions.

4. Ageing Populations and the Growing Burden of IBD in the Elderly

Traditionally, Inflammatory Bowel Disease was most commonly diagnosed in young adults, but the elderly population is increasingly being affected. The rising burden of IBD in older individuals is a reflection of several factors, including longer life expectancy and changes in the immune system that occur with ageing. In older patients, the disease may present with less typical symptoms, making it harder to diagnose. Additionally, elderly individuals often face higher risks of complications such as colorectal cancer, infections, and nutritional deficiencies. As the global population continues to age, healthcare systems will need to address the unique challenges posed by IBD in older patients.

5. Rising Prevalence of IBD-Related Complications

The rising prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is associated with an increase in IBD-related complications, such as colorectal cancer, hospitalisations, and surgeries. Patients with long-standing, untreated or poorly managed disease are at higher risk for developing serious complications, which may include perforations, strictures, or fistulas. The increasing burden of these complications is partly due to delays in diagnosis, insufficient access to healthcare, and the variability in response to treatment. Furthermore, the complexity of IBD management, which often requires a combination of medications, lifestyle adjustments, and surgery, is driving up both the cost and intensity of care, creating challenges for healthcare systems worldwide.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) differs across countries due to variations in contributing factors such as obesity, smoking habits, diabetes, and more. As reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the estimated number of individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in The United States ranges from 2.4 to 3.1 million, depending on the population group. Both the prevalence of the condition and associated healthcare costs are on the rise, with IBD-related medical expenditures in the U.S. reaching approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2018.

Key Questions Answered

• What are the primary insights from the epidemiological analysis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across the eight major markets?
• How many individuals are projected to be affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in these eight major markets over the forecast period?
• What were the historical prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in each of the eight major markets?
• Which country is expected to report the highest patient population of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between 2025 and 2034?
• What major factors are likely to impact changes in the patient population of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) throughout the forecast period of 2025-2034?
• What treatment options are currently available for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
• What are the associated risks, clinical signs, symptoms, and unmet medical needs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on several factors.
• The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India).
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.