J Korean Med Assoc.  2003 Jul;46(7):605-611.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Kim HJ

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of idiopathic diseases of the intestine characterized by chronic inflammation of the bowel with periods of exacerbation and remission. The two major categories of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and each disease is distinct both clinically and histologically. The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, but several theories have been proposed. Primary care physicians are frequently confronted with the initial diagnosis and management of patients with IBD, and medical treatment options have rapidly expanded in recent years. This article reviews clinical presentations that are essential to establish a diagnosis in this complex disease and the treatment options available.

Keyword

Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis; Crohns disease; Diagnosis; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Colitis, Ulcerative
Crohn Disease
Diagnosis*
Humans
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases*
Intestines
Physicians, Primary Care

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