When you or a loved one is first diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) it can feel overwhelming. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as IBD and you will have many questions about diagnosis, treatment and the impact on your day-to-day life. This book has been written by a leading expert in the field and he provides the most current and topical information on these conditions. The book answers important questions and covers topics such as: What is inflammatory bowel disease? How did I get it? What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease? What can I expect now that I have IBD? Dietary treatment of IBD; drug therapy for IBD; surgery for IBD; psychological factors in IBD; children with IBD; and alternative medicinal therapies. With the help of this book you will gain a better understanding about the diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses and begin to lead a useful and productive life. While there is no cure at this time for either condition, this information will go a long way to improving your health and quality of life. Learning all you can about Crohn's and colitis is an important step toward taking charge of your illness and your life.