Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in jail

Diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal pain are relatively common symptoms that many people experience from time to time. Yet for some, these same symptoms can be signs of serious gastrointestinal problems such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and have potentially life-threatening consequences.

What is IBD?

IBD can be categorized as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and shares similar symptoms with Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a cluster of gastrointestinal symptoms, but IBD involves more chronic inflammation and potential complications. For those with IBD, dietary changes, medications, and frequent healthcare contact are often first-line treatments. However, for those who are incarcerated—these treatments can be hard to come by.

IBD Challenges while in Jail

An ER visit may identify a flare-up, an initial diagnosis and immediate treatment, but follow-up care is not always so straightforward. Follow-up appointments or treatments such as nurse-led injections and medication assistance programs can often be missed at no fault of the inmate. A lack of transportation or missed appointments often occurs due to staffing challenges or administrative oversight, which makes IBD treatment in jail very challenging.

With diet being another important cornerstone in IBD treatment, many patients find relief from eating many small meals throughout the day, or by using the FODMAP diet. But these modifications aren’t always available in jail, or easy to obtain.

Logistical challenges and budgetary cuts are frequently the reason given for poor nutritional options or a lack of specialized diets in many jails. Lower food quality overall often means fewer hot meals being served, an increase in ultra-processed foods, smaller portions and lower-quality proteins being used. These are just some of the consequences inmates can experience, and in many cases jails are becoming “food deserts.” This means there is a scarcity of high quality food available, and this scarcity is causing health consequences.

Consequences of Mismanagement

Missed or delayed appointments, inconsistent access to medications, healthcare providers or poor nutrition can impact the health of inmates both while in jail, and afterwards. Research shows that those who are incarcerated with IBD tend to have worse health outcomes than the general population. And in just the year after their release, inmates with IBD will be hospitalized nearly 4 times as often as the general public.

Complications occur when less than ideal care is received, and can include serious problems such as severe anemia, perforated intestines, bowel obstructions, malnutrition, anal fissures, and fistulas. Left untreated, these complications can quickly turn into deaths that would otherwise be preventable.

The symptoms of IBD often mimic more common conditions such as indigestion, fatigue or general IBS. But given the potential consequences of mismanaged IBD medical care, potential symptoms of distress should be addressed quickly. Prompt and consistent medical care while in jail will help keep symptoms such as severe stomach pain, bloody stools, gastroenteritis and rapid weight loss treatable, and help prevent deadly consequences.

If you or a loved one are already facing challenges with IBD while in jail, consider reaching out to one of our experienced attorneys.

Written By: Allison Kunerth

Allison Kunerth

Allison Kunerth, Ph.D. earned her Ph.D. in Public Health Studies at Saint Louis University. She also earned a P.S.M. in Biology at Illinois Institute of Technology, and an M.S. in Biosecurity and and Disaster Preparedness at Saint Louis University. Doctor Kunerth earned a B.S. in General Science at University of Oregon. Doctor Kunerth has worked as a writer, data analyst, communicable disease planner, program analyst, and laboratory technician. She has served in the military since 2010, currently serving as a Medical Service Corps Officer, with the rank of Captain, in the United States Army Reserve. Doctor Kunerth has published extensively, being either the primary or contributing author to approximately fifteen journal publications. Doctor Kunerth has also been the primary or co-presenter for approximately fourteen poster presentations. She has worked with the Lane County Public Health Advisory Committee, International Society of Disease Surveillance, and Saint Louis Regional Radiological Response Medical Reserve Corps.