Complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A survey performed in a tertiary center in Chile.

Researchers in Chile surveyed 200 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to understand how many use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside their conventional medical treatments. IBD includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The study found that 25% of patients were currently using some form of CAM, while 30% had used it in the past. Common CAM therapies included curcumin, homeopathic medicine, acupuncture, and biomagnetism. Interestingly, only about half of the patients (49%) told their gastroenterologist they were using CAM. The type of therapy mattered—patients using acupuncture, curcumin, homeopathic medicine, or biomagnetism were less likely to change their conventional medications. In fact, 86% of all CAM users continued their prescribed medical treatments without modification. Healthcare professionals other than gastroenterologists recommended CAM in 20% of cases, while gastroenterologists themselves recommended it in only 10% of cases. The researchers concluded that gastroenterologists should be more proactive in asking patients about CAM use, as many patients may not volunteer this information. This open communication is important for patient safety and effective treatment coordination. For IBD patients considering acupuncture or other CAM therapies, this study suggests these approaches are commonly used alongside conventional treatment without causing patients to abandon their medications. If you're interested in exploring acupuncture for IBD symptoms, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating digestive conditions.

This cross-sectional survey of 200 IBD patients at a Chilean tertiary care center assessed CAM utilization patterns. The cohort included 68% ulcerative colitis, 29% Crohn's disease, and 3% unclassified IBD. Current CAM use was reported by 25% of patients, with an additional 30% reporting past use. Notably, only 49% of CAM users disclosed this to their gastroenterologist, suggesting significant underreporting. Acupuncture was among the CAM modalities used, alongside curcumin, homeopathy, and biomagnetism. Critically, 86% of CAM users maintained their conventional medical treatment (CMT) without modification; none using acupuncture, curcumin, homeopathy, or biomagnetism altered their CMT. Non-gastroenterologist healthcare professionals recommended CAM in 20% of cases versus 10% by gastroenterologists. Clinical implications include the necessity for gastroenterologists to actively inquire about CAM use and provide evidence-based guidance. Acupuncture practitioners treating IBD patients should emphasize the importance of maintaining conventional therapy and ensuring transparent communication with the patient's gastroenterology team.