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INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
(including Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)

In ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, the lining of the colon wall becomes inflamed and marked with small ulcers that prevent the intestine from doing an effective job of separating nutrients, reabsorbing water, and passing waste. This can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, discomfort and malnutrition. IBD can be diagnosed may ways, but the best way is with a colonoscopy, a procedure to look into the colon with a small camera on the end of a lighted tube.

Treatment for IBD varies from person to person and includes topical medications, oral medications and even IV medications in some cases.

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Page Last Updated June 26, 2008