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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Mucus in the Stool
Stool normally contains a small amount of mucus, but passing stools with visible amounts of mucus can be from a variety of causes. When should you call your doctor when you see mucus in your stool?
Prednisone Side Effects
A list of the side effects of prednisone, a coticosteroid medication that is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and many other auto-immune conditions.
Black Stool
Black, tarry stools with a foul odor are called melena and can be the result of eating certain foods, taking iron supplements, or possibly from internal bleeding.
Green Stool
Stool that is green in color is not necessarily a cause for alarm because it could be caused by food or supplements.
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.
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.
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
A description or the normal range of a white blood cell (WBC) count test and why a physician might order one.
Unusual Stool Colors
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.
Causes of Red, Black Stool
There are several reasons why stool can appear black or red in color. One reason is blood, with causes both common and serious, but the others may surprise you.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
A description of the normal range of a red blood cell (RBC) count test and why a physician might order one.
Hemoglobin Level Test
A description of the normal range of hemoglobin level test and why a physician might order one.
What is a Fistula?
Information about symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of those pernicious fistulas that plague people with Crohn's Disease.
Pale or Clay-Colored Stool
Also known as acholic stools, stools that are pale or clay-colored may be caused by a problem in the biliary system.
Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating can be caused by many conditions, but a common reason is intestinal gas. If you want your pants to fit you again, you might need to find out what's causing your abdominal bloating and how to treat it.
Signs and Symptoms of IBD
The two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis -- are different conditions, but have similar symptoms such as pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding in common.
Facts About Iron
Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism.
Prednisone: The Drug We Love T
Prednisone is a commonly used drug to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Read how prednisone works in treating IBD, what its side effects are, and how they can be lessened.
Causes of Orange Stool
There are several common and benign reasons for passing orange stools, but if the problem is chronic and can not be attributed to diet, it should be investigated by a physician.
Facts About Vitamin D
Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in food, but also can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Ciprofloxacin FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the antibiotic Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) including who should not take this drug, and what to do if a dose is missed.
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.
Ulcerative Colitis FAQ
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include bloody diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Antibiotics Making You Sick?
Taking a course of antibiotics for an infection might cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common condition that is easily treated.
Prednisone FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about prednisone (a corticosteroid used to treat IBD), including dosage, use during pregnancy, and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
Crohn's Disease FAQ - Part 1
Frequently asked questions about Crohn's disease including symptoms, complications, causes and treatments.
Bentyl FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Bentyl (dicyclomine), a drug used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Prednisone and other steroids may be beneficial for many inflammatory conditions, but they may also cause serious and permanent side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Stages of Colorectal Cancer
A description of the stages of colon and rectal cancer, including treatments and five-year survival rates at each stage.
Colonoscopy Risks
While a colonoscopy is generally a very safe diagnostic procedure, there is still a low amount of risk. Learn about the potential complications and risks of a colonoscopy.
Flagl FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about the antibiotic Flagyl (Metronidazole) including side effects, drug interactions and use during pregnancy.
Symptoms and Tests for Colon C
A description of the symptoms of colon and rectal cancer, as well as the tests used for diagnosis.
Differences Between UC and CD
The differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two primary forms of IBD, can be difficult to understand. Diagnosing the form of IBD is important because while they share many symptoms, the two diseases are treated very differently.
Colostomy Surgery
Colostomy surgery is, understandably, a frightening prospect for most people. But it can often dramatically improve a person's quality-of-life.
Weight Gain From Prednisone
Weight gain during prednisone therapy is common. When the dosage of prednisone is below 10mg a day, this side effect and others start to resolve. However, you may still need to use a diet and fitness plan to lose those extra pounds.
Side Effects - Flagyl
A list of the side effects of Flagyl (Metronidazole), a medication that is used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
What Is IBD?
An overview of the two conditions collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease--Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis--including diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.
Diverticular Disease
An introduction to diverticular disease, which affects half of all Americans age 60 to 80, and almost everyone over 80.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome FA...
Questions--and answers--to the most frequently asked questions about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Pepto Bismol and Black Stool
Can taking bismuth subsalicylates, such as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate, cause your stool to turn black?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The basics about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including what causes it, how it's treated, and what can make symptoms worse.
Avoid IBS Trigger Foods
There is no one diet for all people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are, however, several common trigger foods that may set off symptoms.
Complete Blood Cell Count
A description of what tests are included in a complete blood cell (CBC) count test that may be ordered by your physician.
H1N1 Vaccine and IBD
People who have inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk for complications from the H1N1 (swine) flu. If you are taking drugs the suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and Imuran, should you still get the H1N1 vaccine?
Always Room for Jell-O!
Descriptions of clear liquid, full liquid, lactose free, and low fiber diets that physicians prescribe for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or after abdominal surgery. Find out what foods are on them, and when they're used.
Hemorrhoids FAQ
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum that may cause blood in the stool. Newer hemorrhoid treatments make some types of hemorrhoid removal much less painful.
The Candida Connection
The symptoms of a yeast overgrowth in the intestine, or candidiasis, can mimic other problems including, as some doctors suggest, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Gas in the Digestive Tract
Many people think they have too much gas, even though gas in the digestive tract is a common problem.
Red or Maroon Stool
Red or maroon colored stools caused by bleeding are known as "hematochezia." Hematochezia may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colon polyps or colon cancer, diverticular bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease.
Side Effects - Infliximab
A list of the side effects of Infliximab (also called Remicade), a medication that is used in the treatment of Crohn's Disease.
How to Use a Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a plastic tub that fits over the toilet and can be filled with water. Sitting in the warm water for 15 to 20 minutes can provide relief from the discomfort from hemorrhoids, fistulas, anal fissures, or an episiotomy.
Coupons for Prescription Drugs
Did you know that pharmaceutical companies routinely offer money saving coupons for their prescription drugs? Learn why drug companies are offering discounts for prescription drugs, and where you can get coupons for the drugs you take.
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is an internal medicine physician that specializes in the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. How much training do these doctors have, and what conditions do they treat?
Librax FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Librax (chlordiazepoxide clidinium), a drug used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
Eating Your Way Through IBS
There is no diet for everyone who has irritable bowel syndrome, but there are some eating guidelines that may help alleviate the symptoms.
Effects of Drinking Alcohol
Does having the occasional drink at parties worsen the symptoms of IBS or IBD? The answer may surprise you.
Your Digestive System
Digestion is important to break food into a form the body can use for energy.
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.
Treating IBS Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Learn how IBS pain is treated through prescription drugs such as antispasmotics and antidepressants and alternative therapies such as peppermint.
How IBS and IBD Differ
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?
Portable Toilets
The purchase of a portable toilet has been considered by many people with IBD who are frustrated with their inability to go very far from home.
Digestive Basics - Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum.
J-Pouch Surgery for UC
A j-pouch, or ileal pouch reconstruction, is a surgery that is used for ulcerative colitis patients, and is usually completed in two steps.
Mercaptopurine,Purinethol, 6MP
Reference material for Mercaptopurine (also called Purinethol or 6-MP), an immunosuppresive medication that is used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease."
Digestive Basics - Diarrhea
A look at the symptoms of diarrhea, which are more than just an urgent need to use a restroom.
Types of Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplements may be prescribed for digestive conditions such as IBD and IBS from time to time. How do you choose the fiber supplement which is right for you?
Change an Ostomy Bag
Changing your ostomy bag isn't as hard as it may seem! Here is a list of steps and some tips to changing your appliance without worry.
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?
Foods that Cause Diarrhea
Everyone experiences diarrhea every so often, and usually it goes away on its own. For some people, especially those with IBD, certain foods may actually cause diarrhea.
Bleeding in Digestive Tract
Information about the possible causes of bleeding in the intestinal tract, as well as how it's diagnosed and treated.
Colon Cancer:Risks, Prevention
People who have IBD are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that along with regular screening, there are changes you can make to your lifestyle that may decrease your risk of developing colon cancer.
Colon & Rectal Cancer
Information about detection, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of colon and rectal cancer.
Side Effects - Azathioprine
A list of the side effects of Azathioprine (also called Imuran), a medication that is used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Biopsy
Information about biopsies , including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, how it's done, and the risks involved.
Asacol FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Asacol, also called Mesalamine, including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
Colonoscopy: The Inside Story
What to expect from the colonoscopy test which is commonly used to diagnose diseases and conditions in the colon.
Comedies for Sick Days
Your guide offers her picks for the Top 10 movies to watch when you're home sick on the living room couch.
Vitamin D and Zinc
There are several factors which contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including medications, symptoms, and dietary considerations.
Microscopic Colitis
Microscopic colitis is a condition that mostly affects women, and it causes persistent watery diahrrea. Learn more.
Remicade (infliximab) FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Remicade including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate it's use.
Digestive System
A definition of the digestive system, which is the system in the body that is used to process food and turn it into energy.
Use an Enema
An enema may be used for several purposes, including in preparation for a colonoscopy, surgery, giving birth, or for constipation or fecal impaction.
Facts About Vitamin A and Carotenoids
The tables on this page suggest dietary sources of vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. Liver, eggs and whole milk are good animal sources of vitamin A, and many orange fruits and green vegetables are good sources of provitamin A carotenoids.
Upper GI Series
Information about upper GI series, including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, and how it's done.
Candidiasis FAQ
There are many causes of yeast overgrowth, or candidiasis. Often, two more more causes are responsible for the condition.
Borborygmi
Borborygmi may sound like a disease, but is actually a normal part of digestion that happens to everyone from time to time.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Most people think of blood in the stool as the classic sign of colon cancer, but there are other signs and symptoms of colon cancer that are more subtle.
Why Do Beans Cause Gas?
Beans, or legumes, and other vegetables tend to cause intestinal gas. Learn why this happens and how you can prevent gas.
Mucus From a Rectal Stump
I have a colostomy and there is some discharge from my rectum. Is this normal, and what can I do about leaks?
Dealing With IBS-Diarrhea
Most people with IBS have intermittent bouts of diarrhea. Learn how to prevent it in the first place, and deal with it when it does happen.
Lomotil FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Lomotil, an anti-diarrheal, including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
IBD and Colon Cancer Risk
People with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (collectively known as IBD) are at greater risk for colon cancer than the general population. Do you know what your risk is?
The IBS-FMS Connection
As many as 60% of IBS patients suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and as many as 70% of FMS patients report symptoms of IBS. Could there be a common cause for the two conditions?
Arthritis and IBD
Arthritis is the most common extraintestinal complication of inflammatory bowel disease, affecting an estimated 25% of all IBD patients.
What is IBS?
Find out exactly what Irritable Bowel Syndrome is, and even more importantly, what it is not.
Diagnositc Tests - Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy? Get information about colonscopies, including what a colonoscopy is used for, how to prepare for one, how it's done, and the risks involved.
Special Diet for IBD?
Food does not cause inflammatory bowel disease. However, during a flare-up, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. Should people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis follow a special diet?
Side Effects - Librax
A list of the side effects of Librax, a medication that is used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Maurice Gibb Dies at 53
Maurice Gibb, a member of the pop group the Bee Gees, dies at the age of 53.
Digestive Basics-Constipation
Information about constipation including who gets it and why, how it's diagnosed and treated, and some helpful tips to keep it from happening.
Surgery for IBD
A description of the differences between ileostomy, colostomy, and ileoanal reservoir surgery which may be performed on patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis).
10 Tips for Surgery Recovery
Abdominal surgery is common for people who have inflammatory bowel disease. Use these tips for recovering safely and quickly from abdominal surgery.
Treatments for IBD
Most treatments for inflammatory bowel disease are either medical or surgical. Several drugs are used in treating both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and surgery is typically only used after all medical options have failed.
The SCD
Many people with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders have considered trying The Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Is the diet helpful for inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Diet After J-Pouch Surgery
What is a normal diet for a person who has had j-pouch surgery? Find out which foods can cause diarrhea or skin irritation and which foods may cause bowel obstructions.
Flu Shot vs. FluMist
For people taking drugs that suppress the immune system, the optimum time to get vaccinated against the flu is from late October to mid-November. A flu shot takes one to two weeks to reach effectiveness.
Side Effects - Cyclosporin
A list of the side effects of Cyclosporin (also called Cyclosporin-A), a medication that is used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Herbs and Supplements for UC
For people whose ulcerative colitis does not respond to prescription drugs, there are some dietary changes and nutritional supplements that may help.
Side Effects - Lomotil
A list of the side effects of Lomotil, a medication that is used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How IBD is Diagnosed
When a patient sees the doctor with symptoms that may point to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a series of tests are used to make the diagnosis. These tests can range from simple blood tests, to more invasive endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy.
Barium Enema
Information about a barium enema, including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, how it's done, and the risks involved.
Granuloma
A granuloma is a mass of inflamed tissue found in the intestine that is associated with Crohn's disease.
Mucus
Mucus is a substance produced by the large intestine that can be passed in the stool of people who have ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The Rome Criteria for IBS
At the 13th International Congress of Gastroenterology in a group of physicians defined criteria - known as the "Rome Criteria," to more accurately diagnose IBS.
Guess Who Has IBD?
Actors, sports heroes, U.S. Presidents, and even Kings have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
After-Surgery Workouts
Learn how to tighten up your abdominal muscles after having major surgery.
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.
Probiotics for Pouchitis
Pouchitis is a condition with symptoms of abdominal cramping, bleeding and fever experienced by people who have had j-pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis. There is some evidence that probiotics (supplements of live bacterial cultures) may be helpful for pouchitis.
FAQ - Pregnancy and IBD
Answers to questions about pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) such as fertility and the safety of certain drugs.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
Information about the fecal occult blood test, including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, how it's done, and the risks involved.
Prednisone Quiz
Prednisone is a drug that is commonly used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. How much do you know about the side effects and adverse effects of prednisone?
Dealing With Constipation
When many people think of IBS, they think of diarrhea is the main symptom. However, some people with IBS experience constipation more often than diarrhea. Can constipation be prevented, and when it does occur, how can it be treated?
Surgery for Colon Cancer
The most common treatment for colon cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.
Fiber
Dietary fiber, found in plants, is also sometimes known as roughage or bulk. Fiber in your diet can help prevent both constipation and diarrhea.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Skin disorders are a fairly common problem, and may affect up to 25% of people who suffer from IBD. Skin disorders that may occur in IBD include pyoderma gangrenosum and erythema nodosum.
The Difference Between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Quiz
Whether you're newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or have had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis for some time, this quiz will help you learn more about the differences between these two conditions.
Side Effects - Oral Mesalamine
A list of the side effects of oral Mesalamine (also called Asacol, Pentasa, Mesasal, or Salofalk), a medication that is used in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers
Most peptic ulcers are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), but some are caused by prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other pain relievers.
Entocort EC FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Entocort EC (budenoside) including dosage and other medical conditions which could contraindicate its use.
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.
Do You Have Tired Blood?
People with intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD), who do not absorb iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid from food may develop anemia.
Resection Surgery for Crohn's
A resection is a type of abdominal surgery that is commonly used to treat patients with Crohn’s disease. During a resection, the diseased portion of the intestine is removed, and the two healthy ends are reattached.
PSC FAQ
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease of the liver that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis.
IBS, IBD, and PMS
Studies have shown that women with IBS and IBD see an increase in symptoms in the days before and during their menstrual period.
Glossary Definition - Distention
A definition of the term 'distention'.: irritable bowel syndrome glossary definition page nbsp swelling of the abdomen distension
Bathroom Books
Admit it -- you occasionally take a book into the bathroom with you, so why not read a good one?
Stool
A definition of stool, which is the waste material that leaves the body through the rectum as a bowel movement.
Azulfadine (Sulfasalazine) ...
Frequently asked questions about azulfadine (sulfasalazine) including side effects, drug interactions, use during pregnancy, and sexual side effects.
IBD Drug Pipeline
Learn about drugs that are currently being developed to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Bowel Movement
A definition of the term 'bowel movement.'
Things to Know About Colitis
There's so much to learn about ulcerative colitis, it can sometimes feel like you'll never be able to take it all in. In a nutshell, here are 10 things that you should know about ulcerative colitis--for your health, or that of someone you love.
Digestive Basics - UC
A description of the causes, symptoms, treatments, diagnosis, and risk of colon cancer for ulcerative colitis patients.
Supplements for Crohn's
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.
Have Less Gas
Intestinal gas is a fact of life for everyone. But there are things that you can do to reduce the amount of painful gas and bloating you may experience.
Stool Culture
When gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea do not resolve on their own, a stool culture may be used to identify any harmful bacteria that are causing the symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - FAQs
An index of FAQs for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) guide site.
Packing a Lunch for IBS
Packing a lunch for kids with Irritable Bowel Syndrome requires a little creativity and some experimentation. Get recipes that are just right for brown-bagging for kids (and adults!).
Glossary Definition - Small Bowel Follow-Through
A definition of the term 'Small Bowel Follow-Through'.
NSAIDs and IBD
It's now known that certain pain medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can have a serious and harmful effect on people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What Smoking Does to Your Guts
We all know that cigarette smoking can cause lung cancer and emphysema. But did you know that cigarette smoking affects all parts of the body, including the digestive system?
Side Effects of Herbs for IBS
Herbs can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as long as they are taken properly.
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