Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease affects thousands of people of varying ages around the United States. The problem actually refers to a family of illnesses: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This Web guide helps you differentiate between these conditions, learn about their diagnosis and treatment options, and find support resources online.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
For a general review of inflammatory bowel disease and its possible causes, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about the illness, explore the sites included in this section.
Insights for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease is commonly abbreviated as IBD.
- For another approach to learning about IBD, watch videos on gastrointestinal health at Medical News Today.
Top Sites for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cleveland Clinic
provides a helpful overview of inflammatory bowel disease, including genetic characteristics that may contribute to the condition, information about treating pediatric IBD and answers to some commonly asked questions.
The National Women’s Health Information Center
lists the risk factors for developing IBD, and answers frequently asked questions. Learn how a healthy digestive system is supposed to work, compared to a person experiencing inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn more about IBD and find information on inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis and treatment options.
Top Sites for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
The American College of Gastroenterology
explains the symptoms of IBD and how the condition is diagnosed. Read a short review of treatment options, both pharmaceutical and surgical.
KidsHealth
offers an overview of inflammatory bowel disease, and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD in children. Learn how to care for kids with IBD and help manage their illness.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
is a valuable resource for IBD information. Read about the goals of medical treatment, search for a CCFA member physician and learn about living with IBD.
ClinicalTrials.gov
is provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Check this listing of inflammatory bowel disease trials to see if any studies are actively recruiting for participants, or research others already underway, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guide.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There is currently no known cure, but the condition can be managed. Use this section to learn how.
Top Sites for Crohn’s Disease
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)
provides a thorough overview of Crohn’s disease, along with symptoms of the condition, age groups affected and treatment options.
Mayo Clinic
discusses the drug therapies available for treating Crohn’s disease, and also describes the surgical procedures that may be necessary for a person with Crohn’s.
U.S. News & World Report
offers a section on how to manage Crohn’s disease through proper diet and maintenance drug therapy.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Insights for Ulcerative Colitis
- A common abbreviation for ulcerative colitis is UC.
- According to Rush University Medical Center, Pouchitis is a condition that can affect patients who have had surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
- Ulcerative colitis affects a different part of the intestine than Crohn’s disease, and usually develops in young adults. Keep reading to research ulcerative colitis more thoroughly.
Top Sites for Ulcerative Colitis
Virginia Hospital Center
reviews ulcerative colitis symptoms, possible causes, risk factors, diagnostic options and treatment possibilities.
American Gastroenterological Association
features a valuable compilation of written and multimedia resources for learning more about ulcerative colitis. There’s also a useful page about how a gastroenterologist can help you.
Connecting With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
One way to learn more about inflammatory bowel disease, or find support, is to connect with inflammatory bowel disease patients online.
Insights for Connecting With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
- The symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can make some patients feel depressed. If you need additional support resources, read the findingDulcinea Web Guide to Therapy and findingDulcinea Web Guide to Anxiety and Depression for more information.
Top Sites for Connecting With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
WeAreCrohns.org
is an online community specifically for people living with Crohn’s disease and colitis. Participate in discussions about these conditions, ask questions and find support.
Crohn’s & Me
guides people with Crohn’s disease to other “fellow Chronies” online, and helps patients understand, treat and track their condition.
Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA)
aims to increase understanding of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in children and young adults. Use the message boards to learn more about these conditions.
MyIBDCentral.com
contains blog posts from medical experts and people living with inflammatory bowel disease. Some posts relate to legislative issues, while others answer questions about IBD.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
