Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It has remained for too long the secret illness no one wants to admit to having, let alone discuss. One percent of the population has IBD, yet its cause is unknown, and there is no known cure. Fred Saibil, a renowned expert on IBD, provides concise, critical and practical information on the common symptoms and side effects. He describes the normal gastrointestinal system and then explains what specifically goes wrong in those suffering from IBD. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis includes important information on: Signs and symptoms. Possible complications. Procedures and instruments used to diagnose IBD. Effects of diet. Available drugs and how they work. Children and IBD. Cancer and IBD. Surgical options. Effects on sexual activity and childbearing. The book also provides detailed tables, sidebars and diagrams, plus travel tips and other self-help strategies for coping with IBD. For patients, their relatives and caregivers, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis explains the plain facts about this terrible disease, which seriously affects the daily lives of so many.