What you eat does not cause IBD, but can cause symptoms when the disease is active. Your doctor may do a nutritional assessment to determine if you are taking in enough calories, vitamins, and minerals. When nutritional needs are not being met, your doctor may suggest a liquid supplement. Although IBD is a chronic disease that has periods of remission and relapse, most people have a normal life span and a good quality of life. Most people who have IBD respond to their treatment program, including medications and nutritional planning.
Many patients have mild episodes of illness after long periods of feeling well.
Your doctor will consider surgery usually when certain conditions are present. There are several surgical choices. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The surgeon and patient must decide on the best option. Glossary Absorption - the process of nutrients passing from the intestine into the blood stream.