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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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What Is It?
Treatment Options
Who is at Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
What Is It?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease consists of two separate diseases that cause inflammation of
the bowel and can cause arthritis or inflammation in joints:
- Crohn's Disease (Crone's disease) involves inflammation of the colon or small
intestines.
- Ulcerative Colitis (UL-sir-a-tive coh-lie-tiss) is characterized by ulcers and
inflammation of the lining of the colon.
The amount of the bowel disease usually influences the severity of arthritis symptoms.
Other areas of the body affected by inflammatory bowel disease include ankles, knees,
bowel, liver, digestive tract, skin, eyes, spine and hips.
Treatment Options
- Diet
- Exercise
- Medication: Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, Sulfasalazine
- Surgery
Who Is At Risk?
Inflammatory bowel diseases most commonly affect adults between the ages of 25 and 45.
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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