Main description:

The ultimate reference for those with Crohn's and colitis and their family and friends Crohn's disease and colitis are frustrating, often debilitating gastrointestinal diseases that can have a severe impact on the overall health of those who suffer from them. According to the latest estimates, more than 600,000 patients in North America have Crohn's disease. Written by a physician specialising in the treatment of IBDs, Crohn's and Colitis For Dummies is a complete plain-English guide to understanding, treating, and living well with these diseases. * Helps readers actively recognize symptoms of Crohn's and colitis and explains the diagnostic procedures doctors use to identify these diseases * Outlines how the whole body is affected by Crohn's and colitis, and the potential hazards of letting the disease go untreated * Offers expert advice and guidance on controlling Crohn's and colitis with diet and outlines the treatment options of medicines and surgery, including the various risks and benefits of each * Provides practical advice for parents of children with Crohn's and colitis with insights into how children's treatment options can differ from those of adults

Contents:

Forword xxi Introduction 1 Part I: The Who, What, and Why of Crohn s and Colitis 7 Chapter 1: Crohn s and Colitis One Step at a Time 9 Chapter 2: Defi ning Crohn s and Colitis 13 Chapter 3: How the Digestive System Works 41 Chapter 4: Who Gets Crohn s and Colitis and Why 53 Part II: Getting Medical Help 67 Chapter 5: Assembling Your Healthcare Team 69 Chapter 6: Getting a Diagnosis 77 Chapter 7: Taking Medications for Crohn s and Colitis 93 Chapter 8: Considering Surgery 117 Part III: Healing and Dealing with the Disease 141 Chapter 9: Paying Attention to What You Eat 143 Chapter 10: Preventing Health Problems 165 Chapter 11: Alternative and Complementary Therapies 181 Part IV: Living and Coping with Crohn s and Colitis 195 Chapter 12:Living with Crohn s and Colitis 197 Chapter 13:Avoiding Triggers 211 Chapter 14:Working and Traveling with Crohn s and Colitis 225 Part V: Considering Special Populations with Crohn s and Colitis 237 Chapter 15: Kids with Crohn s and Colitis239 Chapter 16: Having Sex and Getting Pregnant with Crohn s and Colitis 255 Part VI: The Part of Tens 269 Chapter 17: Ten Myths about Infl ammatory Bowel Disease 271 Chapter 18: Ten Reliable Resources 279 Glossary 287 Index 297