Core Insights - The article highlights the rising prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in China, with current incidence rates ranging from 1.96 to 3.14 per 100,000 people, particularly affecting young adults [1] Misconceptions about IBD - Misconception 1: IBD is merely diarrhea; it includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), which are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, with symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and severe complications [2] - Misconception 2: IBD is a diet-related disease; while diet can influence symptoms, IBD is linked to genetic susceptibility and immune dysfunction, not directly caused by food [3] - Misconception 3: IBD patients cannot marry or have children; while there is a hereditary risk, many IBD patients successfully have healthy pregnancies with proper medical management [4] - Misconception 4: IBD requires long-term maintenance therapy; abrupt discontinuation of medication can lead to rebound inflammation, with studies showing a 60% five-year remission rate with regular treatment [5] - Misconception 5: IBD inevitably leads to cancer; while uncontrolled inflammation increases cancer risk, regular monitoring and treatment can mitigate this risk [6] - Misconception 6: Surgery can cure IBD; surgery is only for complications and does not eliminate the disease, with a high recurrence rate post-surgery [7] - Misconception 7: IBD patients should avoid exercise; moderate exercise can improve gut motility and quality of life, with recommendations for low-intensity activities [8] - Misconception 8: IBD can only be managed with Western medicine; a combination of Western and alternative therapies can provide a personalized treatment approach [9] - Misconception 9: IBD is an incurable disease; it is now considered a manageable chronic condition, with over 80% clinical remission rates achievable through proper treatment [10] Research and Development - Global research on IBD is advancing rapidly, with innovative treatments like fecal microbiota transplantation and CAR-T cell therapy entering clinical trials in China, potentially leading to breakthroughs in the next decade [11] - The focus is shifting towards precision diagnosis, individualized treatment, and accelerated drug development, aiming for a future where patients can coexist peacefully with IBD [12]