EBS to examine the reality of rising Inflammatory Bowel Disease cases

An EBS program featuring gastroenterologist Professor Lee Chang-kyun will air on November 6 to explore Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a condition that has seen patient numbers surge 3.5 times over the last 15 years.

“When I need to go to the bathroom, I really struggle,” one person said. “When my stomach hurts while riding a bus, I have to jump off, and there have been times I’ve just burst into tears on the street.”

Why do people suddenly feel such anxiety while driving, going on a picnic, or taking an exam? There are those who, even when traveling, look for a restroom before looking for their destination. What happens when a person cannot control their own bowel movements?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the collective term for ulcerative colitis, where inflammation and ulcers form in the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can cause inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools can lead to complications like strictures, perforations, and sometimes cancer if left untreated. Is there a way to escape this cycle of recurring illness?

In the "Reason for Diarrhea" episode of EBS <명의>, gastroenterologist Professor Lee Chang-kyun will track the reality of IBD hidden behind diarrhea and explore how patients can break the cycle of suffering and return to daily life.

*Broadcast schedule: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 9:55 PM on EBS1

Professor Lee Chang-kyun's expression hardened during repeated colonoscopies. The colonic mucosa of a woman in her early 20s, which should be smooth and shiny, was filled with red blood and pus. Even a small amount of air introduced for the examination caused bleeding. The patient reported visiting the bathroom about five times a day, with blood present during each visit. Having taken medication without knowing the cause since high school, her diagnosis was finally confirmed as ulcerative colitis. How does IBD, a chronic recurring disease causing diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain, differ from common enteritis?

The reason he suffers from diarrhea

A man in his late 20s preparing for employment suffered from severe abdominal pain over the last six months, relying on antispasmodics, and continuous diarrhea, necessitating the use of anti-diarrheal drugs. At his worst, he experienced diarrhea five to six times a day. After visiting local clinics, large hospitals, and even oriental medicine clinics, he was repeatedly told his condition was "nervousness" or "irritable bowel syndrome." Despite being told his stomach and colon endoscopies were normal, the symptoms persisted. Ultimately, after being hospitalized for intensive testing, it was discovered that while his colon was clear, ulcers were found at the end of the small intestine, and a biopsy confirmed Crohn's disease. How does Crohn's disease, which can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus, differ from ulcerative colitis, and how can it be treated?

A man in his 40s spent his 20s and 30s visiting the bathroom more than 20 times a day due to ulcerative colitis. In his mid-30s, stage 3 colon cancer was discovered by chance during an endoscopy. After undergoing partial resection of the colon, he once found daily life impossible as he had to stay home, experiencing immediate bowel movements the moment he felt the urge. However, he did not give up and changed his lifestyle. Through strict dietary management and proper treatment, he was able to return to daily life. Does all IBD progress to cancer? The program will explore how to escape the pain of IBD and reclaim daily life.

In EBS <명의>, Professor Lee Chang-kyun will provide detailed information on the causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease—which has seen patient numbers increase approximately 3.5 times over 15 years—as well as latest treatments and dietary habits to protect intestinal health. The "Reason for Diarrhea" episode of EBS <명의> will air on Friday, November 6, at 9:55 PM on EBS 1TV and will be available for replay on the EBS website.

Read the original (Korean)