Inflammatory bowel disease: A review
Lozano, H.L.; Melendez, J.; Torres, E.A.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 97(1): 50-59
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 703033
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic, recurring conditions requiring lifelong management that affect males and females with a peak of age onset in the late teenage years to the early 30s. An increasing incidence and prevalence seems to be occurring in Puerto Rico similar to the United States. The diagnosis of there conditions depends on the evaluation of the clinical history, physical examination findings, and endoscopic, radiologic, and histologic features. Clinical manifestations are variable and are the result of an interplay of genetic and environmental factors and the immune system. The management of these conditions needs to be directed by the type of disease and the site involved. A close collaboration between the primary physician and the specialists involved in the care of patients with IBD leads to a prompt diagnosis, early therapeutic intervention and an improved quality of life.
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