Hidden Ways IBD Affects You Over a Lifetime With Puja Khanna, MD

About IBD

07/21/26

•

41m

About

Comments

Featured In

The truth about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is that it goes beyond the gut. In this first ever live recording of About IBD, Amber talks with Dr. Puja Khanna from Cedars-Sinai to explore the extra-intestinal impacts of IBD, from skin conditions and eye inflammation to debilitating fatigue. Learn how sex-specific factors affect women and why building a multi-disciplinary care team is the best strategy for long-term health.

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD206

Chapters:

(00:01): Amber introduces the first-ever live recording of the "About IBD" podcast, recorded at an event in Los Angeles.
(01:31): Amber and guest expert Dr. Puja Khanna are introduced, detailing their backgrounds and expertise in the IBD space.
(03:26): Dr. Khanna discusses common extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD, including issues with the eyes, liver, skin, and joints.
(05:45): A discussion on how women are uniquely affected by IBD, including hormonal influences during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
(06:30): Dr. Khanna explains the importance of a multidisciplinary care team and open communication with your gastroenterologist about all symptoms.
(08:00): The importance of discussing reproductive health early, even in adolescence, to gather information and make informed decisions later.
(10:18): Dr. Khanna offers advice on managing fatigue by addressing sleep, mood, nutrition, and energy conservation, even when labs are normal.
(14:23): Amber and Dr. Khanna discuss the fine line between pushing through illness and recognizing one's capacity to avoid overexertion.
(15:47): Dr. Khanna advises focusing on trends rather than daily details to avoid anxiety while still providing useful data to doctors.
(20:04): Guidance on when to send a portal message versus seeking immediate care, emphasizing that patients should not hesitate to reach out.
(22:41): How patients can understand that issues like joint pain or eye problems can be connected to their IBD.
(26:01): Dr. Khanna explains the detective work involved in distinguishing between medication side effects and extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD.
(30:00): Dr. Khanna discusses a multidisciplinary treatment approach that incorporates nutrition, mental health, and physical therapy alongside medication.
(32:27): A discussion on the long-term safety of modern IBD medications and the genetic risk of passing Crohn's to children.
(35:34): Dr. Khanna explains the role of diet, the microbiome, and specialized nutrition in managing IBD for human patients.
(38:31): Dr. Khanna shares personal details about her family, her life in Southern California, and her experience as a triathlete.

Concepts discussed:

Find Dr Puja Khanna at:

Twitter: @PujaKhannaMD
Bluesky: @pujakhannamd.bsky.social
LinkedIn: Puja Khanna, MD
Instagram: @pujakhannamd
Cedars Sinai: Dr Khanna

Find Amber J Tresca at:

AboutIBD.com: About IBD
Verywell Health: Verywell Health
Facebook: @aboutIBD
Twitter: @aboutIBD
Instagram: @about_IBD
YouTube: @AboutIBD
Threads: @about_ibd

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Previous Episode

How to Navigate ER Visits and Avoid Fragmented Care With Dr Stephen Lupe

July 7

•

35m

Emergency room visits are a source of stress and can lead to fragmented care. Amber speaks with psychologist Dr Stephen Lupe to learn why inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients avoid the ER, the reality of medical trauma, and how a multi-disciplinary approach like the IBD Medical Home can revolutionize patient care. Transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD205 Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson: http://tremfyaradio.com/ Find Stephen Lupe, PsyD at:

Cleveland Clinic: https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/stephen-lupe/4826753
Twitter: @Psylupe
LinkedIn: @stephen-lupe Resources mentioned:
Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute: Explore the multidisciplinary healthcare programs where integrated care models such as the IBD Medical Home are being used and expanded. https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/clinical-institutes/digestive-disease-surgery/inflammatory-bowel-disease
Posttraumatic Stress in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Read the full foundational study on IBD-related medical trauma co-authored by Dr. Tiffany Taft in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which highlights the psychological impacts and the 90% prevalence statistic discussed by Dr. Lupe. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34137449
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Access educational materials and find vetted local peer support groups. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/myibdlearning
Digital Health: Discover the digital collaborative care platform mentioned by Dr. Lupe that uses clinical care teams, evidence-based dietary interventions, and behavioral therapies to support chronic GI health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12534582

Find Amber J Tresca at:

AboutIBD.com: About IBD
Verywell: Verywell Health
Facebook: @aboutIBD
Twitter: @aboutIBD
Pinterest: @aboutibd
Instagram: @about_IBD
YouTube: @AboutIBD
Threads: @about_IBD

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
Web: Cooney Studio
YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

Next Episode

Powerful Lessons: How Women Experience Life With IBD Featuring Alicia Aiello of Girls With Guts

August 11

•

49m

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD207

Alicia Aiello, president of Girls With Guts, shares her journey with IBD, which began in childhood. She discusses major surgeries, including a proctectomy that resulted in an unexpected loss of her fallopian tubes and an ovary, and the early onset of perimenopause. Alicia opens up about navigating rectovaginal fistulas, feeling dismissed, and the importance of knowing when to switch providers.

What you'll learn:

The impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on women's health.
Why proctectomy surgery might be used, how it affects women, and some potential complications.
The challenges of rectovaginal fistulas and their effects on intimacy and mental health.
The importance of self-advocacy and seeking second opinions.
Some of the gaps in healthcare for women with IBD, especially regarding reproductive health and menopause.
The role of community support and organizations such as Girls With Guts.
How multidisciplinary approaches are important in managing women's health issues.
Some personal coping strategies and hobbies outside of IBD advocacy.
Upcoming events and resources for women living with IBD.

Key Chapters & Timestamps:

[01:12]: Introduction to Alicia Aiello, president of Girls With Guts (GWG).
[03:01]: Alicia describes her abrupt diagnosis with ulcerative colitis at age 14.
[04:36]: Alicia explains a proctectomy and details her surgical history, including rectovaginal fistulas.
[07:26]: Alicia discusses her decision to seek a permanent ostomy.
[09:19]: Alicia shares the unexpected outcome of her proctectomy surgery.
[13:43]: Alicia talks about the lack of mental health support and reproductive care.
[22:40]: Alicia shares the physical and mental toll of fistulas.
[25:34]: Alicia offers advice on trusting your gut and advocating for yourself when you feel invalidated or rushed by a provider.
[35:42]: Alicia outlines how providers can improve care for their patients.
[38:24]: Gaps in care, including isolation and lack of information on aging with IBD.
[40:49]: Alicia details the upcoming GWG annual retreat and highlights the Cedars-Sinai Women's Health Conference.
[45:54]: Alicia shares about her hobbies outside of advocacy.