Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Ian W. Toal is a nurse in Barrie, Ontario.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis “cause persistent or
recurring inflammation of one or more parts of the intestine.” While
the latter illness occurs primarily in the colon, Crohn’s disease can
occur anywhere in the digestive system, “from the mouth to the
anus.” In both conditions, the lining of the intestine or another part
of the digestive system becomes inflamed (the inflammation is more
extensive in Crohn’s disease). A common symptom in both conditions is
diarrhea. Although theories abound, the precise cause of these
conditions has not been determined.

Lack of precision is characteristic of the two illnesses. Symptoms are
not uniform, diagnosis is difficult, and treatments have differing
efficacy. The disease can be mild or severe. Dietary restrictions are
sometimes necessary, but the type of restriction is unique to each
person.

This complexity is admirably dealt with by Fred Saibil, a medical
specialist who provides lucid discussions of signs and symptoms,
diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and disease manage- ment. Aimed at
general readers, his informative and well-designed book includes simple
line drawings and a useful glossary and index.