Long term management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) isn't an easy task, but it may be even more difficult than previously thought. It is already known that people with IBD should avoid ibuprofen (like Motrin, Advil, and Nuprin). Now researchers think other anti-inflammatory drugs like Ecotrin, and anything containing aspirin should be avoided also.

A new study published in the August The American Journal of Gastroenterology says people with IBD should not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking an NSAID may may exacerbate existing disease or even cause the onset of IBD in persons who are predisposed.

60 patients currently hospitalized for serious flare-ups of IBD were queried about their NSAID use. In about one-third of the patients, researchers found a relationship between the use of NSAIDs and flare-ups.

"For a long time, it has been known that these drugs have intestinal side effects, but we believe them to be specifically [not advisable for] these patients." Scott Plevy of New York City's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who treats IBD patients exclusively.

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