Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Guide for Patients and their Families
by Stanley H Stein and Richard P Rood

This publication of the Crohn's & Coltitis Foundation of America is aimed at those with IBD and their families. It provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of IBD and contains an index for easy access to various topics and a glossary of surgical terms.

The book begins with an explanation of the digestive system and how each part functions. Absorption of nutrients and fluid balance is also discussed. Whilst there is no known cause of IBD, a number of different factors are looked at by the authors. Information on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease appears separately, covering symptoms, diagnosis, medical treatment, complications and prognosis. Use of medication and surgery are discussed at length.

Chapters are also included on extra-intestinal complications, pregnancy, diet and nutrition, and IBD in children. Areas often neglected in IBD are alternative therapies and emotional support, but chapters have been devoted to each, with information on emotional support including guidelines on learning how to live with IBD and suggestions on how to deal with the unpredictability and periods of enforced inactivity.

The approach to alternative therapies is that it should be used in conjunction with conventional treatment. As stated by the authors 'I believe that the best approach is to seek integrative medical care that combines conventional wisdom with alternative modalities in an environment that can do no harm and is well controlled.'

The authors have written this book in a style that is easy to read while still presenting the necessary information.