Articles Index

Colonoscopy Prep

Worried about having a colonoscopy? Most people think the preparation is worse than the actual test. Learn about the most frequently used preparations for this test.

Unusual Colors of Stool - Green Stool

Stool that is green in color is not necessarily a cause for alarm because it could be caused by food or supplements.

Taking Prednisone During Pregnancy

Taking medications during pregnancy is a reality for many women with IBD. What risks does taking prednisone during pregnancy have on an unborn child?

Fall = IBD Flare?

There is some evidence that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience a flare-up during the fall or the spring. One controversial theory links these flares to an allergic response.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include bloody diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

Hypnotherapy: IBS Treatment Option

Hypnosis is being used in the United Kingdom as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome -- and it's successful. Learn how hypnosis can treat the symptoms of IBS.

What You Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The basics about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including what causes it, how it's treated, and what can make symptoms worse.

A Patient's Field Guide to Doctors

Who are those people in white coats that come through your hospital room with your physician? Are they doctors? Learn how to tell the difference between an intern and a resident.

Toxic Megacolon

Toxic megacolon is a rare, but potentially lethal, complication of severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Learn why this condition may occur and how it is treated.

What Are Bowel Obstructions?

Bowel obstructions can happen to just about anyone, but they are the most common complication of Crohn's disease. Learn about the symptoms of a bowel obstruction, as well as how it may be diagnosed and treated.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and IBD

Complementary and alternative therapies are frequently used by people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Could a fish oil supplement which contains omega-3 fatty acids be helpful to people with IBD?

Unusual Stool Colors: Red, Black, Green, Orange, or Pale

An unusual color to a bowel movement could be caused by a food or dietary supplement--but red, black, or green stools could also be a symptom of a serious problem.

Normal Bowel Movements

Many people do not know what a normal bowel movement is. There are gradations of normal, and every person is going to have different bowel habits.

Got Gas? It Could be Lactose Intolerance

Many people experience symptoms of gas, bloating and diarrhea after eating milk products. It isn't necessarily a milk allergy -- it could be lactose intolerance, the most common condition in the world.

Preventing The Flu

The flu can be serious for some people, especially those who are already very ill, so preventing the flu is important. But some people worry about the shot itself causing the flu. Should you get a flu shot if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

What to Do When You Can't Afford Your Medication

For many people, affording medications is a difficult hurdle to overcome. New medications are expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Fortunately, there is hope when you can't afford your drugs.

What You Need to Know About Blood Transfusions and IBD

There are risks involved with receiving a blood transfusion, but in general it is a procedure that is well-tolerated and, as we all know, it can save lives.

Supplements for Crohn's Disease

Many people with Crohn's Disease try alternative and complementary treatments for their symptoms. Some of the supplements for Crohn's disease have evidence supporting their use, and some do not.

Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about the drug Lotronex, used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Information about the causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, which can be caused by chronic alcoholism and hepatitis C.

The Differences Between IBD and IBS

IBD symptoms can be similar to symptoms from several other digestive diseases or conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). How do physicians tell the difference between IBD and IBS?

Bathroom Tactics

Finding public restrooms is a serious problem for the disabled, as well as people with bowel or urinary conditions. How can you find a bathroom to use when there isn’t a public facility available?

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in IBD

There are several factors which contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including medications, symptoms, and dietary considerations.

Digestive Basics - Diarrhea

A look at the symptoms of diarrhea, which are more than just an urgent need to use a restroom.

Smoking, Nicotine and IBD

Nicotine and IBD have a complex relationship. Smoking tends to worsen the effects of Crohn's disease, but ulcerative colitis is often called a disease of non-smokers. What are the effects of nicotine on IBD?