• Long-term disease that results in inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract
• Most often affects the small intestines but may involve the mouth, large intestines and other areas
• Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss
• Cause unknown but may be due to conditions such as a weakened immunity, heredity or environmental factors
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but onset more common in young adults
• May be mild to severe
• Complications more often associated with long-term disease and may be life threatening

• Decrease or avoid dairy products
• Use caution when eating high fiber foods; experiment eating them in different ways such as raw, steamed, baked or stewed
• Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse
• Eat smaller meals several times a day
• Exercise regularly
• Decrease your level of stress where possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for helps

FOR DIARRHEA

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Home oral rehydration solution (ORS):
  • Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar
  • Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 L (5 cupful’s) of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled
• Eat the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, Toast)
• If accompanied by nausea, suck on small pieces of ice (not small enough to choke on!)
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendation for dosage):
  • Loperamide
  • Bismuth subsalicylate

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen