Budesonide reduces swelling in the digestive tract of those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A new extended-release version seems to be effective and safe for treating ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD.

Some conditions can only be treated with medication or surgery. Others, such as ulcerative colitis, can be treated with both options.

Successful treatment of bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can still sometimes result in an irritated bowel. Help for these symptoms may come from an unlikely source.

Apart from maintaining heart health, bone health and mental health, exercising also may help maintain digestive health.

Inflammatory bowel disease may seem like a big obstacle for young couples hoping to start a family, but there may be little cause for concern.

Excessive heat can be both physically and emotionally draining. Besides being a nuisance, heat waves can also cause certain conditions to flare up.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are usually treated by suppressing the immune system. But a weakened immune system can put patients at risk for other health problems. A new treatment being tested may be effective and have fewer negative effects than current therapies.

With inflammatory bowel disease, the immune system attacks the body’s cells instead of foreign cells, causing severe tummy trouble. It has been suggested that a high-fiber diet may help keep these diseases at bay.

New medications have improved the quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. But when these treatments fail to relieve symptoms, bowel surgery may be required.

Patients with ulcerative colitis can be treated effectively with a class of medications called thiopurines . But taking these medications over a long period of time can have some negative effects.