In Crohn's disease inflammation is usually in the lower part of the small intestine as well as the colon, although it can affect any part of the digestive track. With ulcerative colitis inflammation is usually found in the colon and rectum. This disorder causes ulcers that produce mucus and pus and can cause bleeding. Both disorders can have serious complications, including intestinal blockages, ulcers that spread to other parts of the body, skin rashes, arthritis and problems with organs ranging from the eye to the liver and kidneys. Treatment for IBD is highly individualized.
Physicians tailor the remedy to each patient depending on the type and severity of the symptoms.
Treatment options for IBD include dietary changes, medications and sometimes surgery. Counseling can also help combat the emotional distress of having a chronic illness. This, in turn, may have an affect on symptoms. But Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource reports that women aren't always getting these medications when they need them. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men, so both groups stand to benefit greatly from cholesterol-lowering drugs.