Andrew S. Warner, Amy E 100 Questions & Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis- A Lahey Clinic Guide

, Contents




Preface ix

Part 1: The Basics 1
Questions 1–7 introduce Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis:
• What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
• How do you know if you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
• How common are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis? I seem to know
more and more people with it.

Part 2: Diagnosis 17
Questions 8–17 discuss how Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are
diagnosed, as well as the prognosis and other related diseases, such as:
• How are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
• Can I ever be cured of IBD, or will I have it for my entire life?
• Are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis ever confused with
other disorders?

Part 3: Medications 43
Questions 18–30 explain different types of medications used to treat
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including:
• What is the role of topical therapy in treating proctitis, and is topical therapy
used for treating anything else?
• What are biologics and who should get them? I’ve heard of infliximab
(Remicade). Are there newer biologics available for the treatment
of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?
• Does having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis mean I will be
on medication for my entire life?

Part 4: Cancer and Dysplasia 77
Questions 31–37 discuss the relationship of cancer and dysplasia to
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, such as:
• Am I more likely to get colon cancer if I have ulcerative colitis?
• What is dysplasia and how is it related to cancer?
• Can I do anything to prevent getting colon cancer?

, 100 Q&A ABOUT CROHN’S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A LAHEY CLINIC GUIDE


Part 5: Complications 87
Questions 38–47 review numerous complications that are associated
with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including:
• What is toxic megacolon?
• I heard that people with Crohn’s disease can get something called
a fistula. Can you tell me what this is?
• I have ulcerative colitis and often pass blood with my bowel movements.
Is this something I should worry about?

Part 6: Surgery 101
Questions 48–54 explain different surgery options used to treat
this disease, such as:
• What types of operations are performed in Crohn’s disease?
• What is the role of surgery in ulcerative colitis?
• What are some of the other complications found after ileal pouch surgery?

Part 7: Diet and Nutrition 119
Questions 55–64 include helpful tips on how to best maintain a healthy diet,
such as:
• How does having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis affect my nutrition?
• Since I have to avoid fruits and vegetables due to my Crohn’s disease,
what can I do to lose weight?
• Is there a specific diet that I should follow if I have Crohn’s disease
or ulcerative colitis?

Part 8: Extraintestinal Manifestations 139
Questions 65–77 discuss the affects Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
can have on the rest of your body, including:
• How can IBD affect my skin?
• My joints are often stiff and sore. Is this related to my IBD?
• Am I more likely to get osteoporosis if I have IBD and is there any way
to prevent it?

Part 9: Sexuality, Reproductive Issues, and Pregnancy 163
Questions 78–92 review issues surrounding sexuality, pregnancy,
and the disease, like:
• Is it safe to have a baby if I have IBD?
• Can IBD affect fertility in men?
• Should I continue to take my IBD medications during pregnancy
and are they safe to use during pregnancy?




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, 100 Q&A ABOUT CROHNS DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A LAHEY CLINIC GUIDE


Part 10: Lifestyle 183
Questions 93–97 discuss the potential affects of Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis on your lifestyle, such as:
• Does stress affect Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?




Contents
• Do I have to take any precautions if I want to exercise?
• Can I drink alcohol if I have IBD?

Part 11: IBD in Children and the Elderly 193
Questions 98–99 explain IBD in children and the elderly:
• Does IBD occur in children? How is it different than in adults?
• Can IBD occur in the elderly?

Part 12: The Future of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis 197
Question 100 discusses the future of treatment options and
diagnosis methods:
• What does the future hold for the diagnosis and treatment of
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?


Appendix 199

Glossary 201

Index 215




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