Inflammatory bowel disease: strategies for assessment, treatment, and prevention of relapse.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, lifelong disorder characterized by alternating periods of flare-ups and clinical remission. The majority of patients experience relapses several times a year. Prevention and treatment of these relapses are a major challenge to the practicing physician. Therefore, this article provides strategies that the primary care physician can use in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and prevention of relapses.
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Section of Gastroenterology, Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital and Medical Center, Olympia Fields, Ill., USA.
D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care