ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the various medical approaches to treating and managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It includes a section on the doctor–patient relationship and also on the doctor–therapist relationship. It then covers what is known about IBD specific diets, including some highly restrictive diets, and the potential benefits and risks of each of them. It also covers the possibility of liquid only diet or enteral feeding. The chapter then moves on to medications and surgery. Medications include steroids and various immunosuppressive medications. The important thing for a therapist to know is how to help patients think through the risks and benefits of taking medication or undergoing surgery, and also the risks and benefits of not pursuing treatments recommended by their gastroenterologists. It also outlines the very real adverse effects of many treatments, and helps therapists understand the difficult and anxiety provoking choices patients are often faced with. The chapter also covers some information about ostomies, and how to help patients adjust to living with one. The chapter concludes with a brief summary detailing the role of the therapist in helping patients to make choices about treatments.
