How to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Singapore | Health Plus

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

• IBD is a term used to describe chronic diseases characterised by inflammation in the gut or digestive tract
• IBD mainly comes in 2 forms: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• No specific foods are known to trigger IBD
• Approximately 5 million people worldwide struggle with IBD
• IBD rates are rising in Asia

What do people with IBD struggle with?

• Frequent diarrhoea or stomach pain
• Cost of medication
• Fatigue
• Lack of social acceptance from family and friends
• Needing regular medication, doctor visits and tests

How to treat IBD

Diagnosis may be done using colonoscopy, CT scan or MRI

Treatment may involve medication or intestinal surgery

Medications include:

• Remicade
• Humira
• Entyvio
• Remsima
• Simponi
• Mesalazine
• Steroids
• Azathioprine
• Methotrexate

How to manage IBD costs using your insurance

• If you have an Integrated Shield Plan that covers private hospitalisation, you are eligible for the Cashless service. Call +65 6812 3776 to find out more.
• Check with your gastroenterologist to find out more on managing IBD with your insurance coverage.

 

Infographic with contribution by Dr Ling Khoon Lin, gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital