Crohns and Colitis For Dummies

Learn to: Recognize the treatment options that are right for you Manage your symptoms and avoid triggers Deal with complications The complete guide to living well with Crohn′s and colitis! Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis are frustrating and often debilitating diseases that have life–altering impacts on sufferers. Full of expert advice, Crohn′s & Colitis For Dummies is the complete resource for those looking to understand these inflammatory bowel diseases and the various treatments available. This reassuring, informative guide helps you to actively recognize symptoms of Crohn′s and colitis and explains in plain English the procedures doctors use to diagnose the diseases. It outlines how the body is affected and the consequences you′ll face if the diseases go untreated. With authority and compassion, it covers how you can control your disease through changes in your diet, and explores the treatment options available, filling you in on the risks and benefits of each. Learn the who, what, and why of Crohn′s and colitis — understand how these illnesses can affect you and your family Unlock the mystery behind the medical mumbo–jumbo — find out which treatments are available, how they work, and their common side effects Manage your symptoms — explore the importance of nutrition in helping you to take control of Crohn′s and colitis Understand how to avoid triggers and prevent flares — become familiar with which prescription drugs, foods, and habits can lead to complications Have a healthy pregnancy — understand the possible complications and learn how you can avoid them Consider the special treatments for kids and teens — get tips on monitoring medications and surviving school Open the book and find: How Crohn′s and colitis affect the body The differences and similarities between Crohn′s and colitis Ways to prevent health problems and complications The symptoms of Crohn′s and colitis, and how they′re treated Various therapies available, including alternative and complementary therapies How to manage work and travel with Crohn′s and colitis The effects of nutrition on your immune system

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

Tauseef Ali , MD, is an expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, he serves as a faculty member in the Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is also the director of the OU Physicians Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. Dr. Ali has served as an academic editor–in–chief of the World Journal of Gastroenterology .