Main description:

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 andcolitis!

Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis are frustrating and oftendebilitating diseases that have life–altering impacts on sufferers.Full of expert advice, Crohn′s & Colitis For Dummies isthe complete resource for those looking to understand theseinflammatory bowel diseases and the various treatments available.This reassuring, informative guide helps you to actively recognizesymptoms of Crohn′s and colitis and explains in plain English theprocedures doctors use to diagnose the diseases. It outlines howthe body is affected and the consequences you′ll face if thediseases go untreated. With authority and compassion, it covers howyou can control your disease through changes in your diet, andexplores the treatment options available, filling you in on therisks 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 findout which treatments are available, how they work, and their commonside effects


• Manage your symptoms explore the importance ofnutrition in helping you to take control of Crohn′s andcolitis


• Understand how to avoid triggers and prevent flares become familiar with which prescription drugs, foods, and habitscan lead to complications


• Have a healthy pregnancy understand the possiblecomplications and learn how you can avoid them


• Consider the special treatments for kids and teens gettips 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 andcolitis


• Ways to prevent health problems and complications


• The symptoms of Crohn′s and colitis, and how they′retreated


• Various therapies available, including alternative andcomplementary therapies


• How to manage work and travel with Crohn′s and colitis


• The effects of nutrition on your immune system

Back cover:

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 andcolitis!

Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis are frustrating and oftendebilitating diseases that have life–altering impacts on sufferers.Full of expert advice, Crohn′s & Colitis For Dummies isthe complete resource for those looking to understand theseinflammatory bowel diseases and the various treatments available.This reassuring, informative guide helps you to actively recognizesymptoms of Crohn′s and colitis and explains in plain English theprocedures doctors use to diagnose the diseases. It outlines howthe body is affected and the consequences you′ll face if thediseases go untreated. With authority and compassion, it covers howyou can control your disease through changes in your diet, andexplores the treatment options available, filling you in on therisks 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 findout which treatments are available, how they work, and their commonside effects


• Manage your symptoms explore the importance ofnutrition in helping you to take control of Crohn′s andcolitis


• Understand how to avoid triggers and prevent flares become familiar with which prescription drugs, foods, and habitscan lead to complications


• Have a healthy pregnancy understand the possiblecomplications and learn how you can avoid them


• Consider the special treatments for kids and teens gettips 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 andcolitis


• Ways to prevent health problems and complications


• The symptoms of Crohn′s and colitis, and how they′retreated


• Various therapies available, including alternative andcomplementary therapies


• How to manage work and travel with Crohn′s and colitis


• The effects of nutrition on your immune system

Contents:

Forword xxi

Introduction 1

Part I: The Who, What, and Why of Crohn s and Colitis7

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 Colitis93

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 andColitis  195

Chapter 12:Living with Crohn s and Colitis 197

Chapter 13:Avoiding Triggers 211

Chapter 14:Working and Traveling with Crohn s and Colitis225

Part V: Considering Special Populations with Crohn sand Colitis  237

Chapter 15: Kids with Crohn s and Colitis239

Chapter 16: Having Sex and Getting Pregnant with Crohn sand 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