Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):

1. I have diarrhea that is occasionally bloody. Do I have IBD?
   
   
2. What kind of tests will you need to perform to know for sure?
   
   
3. Could my symptoms be a sign of something besides IBD?
   
   
4. If I’m diagnosed with IBD, does that mean I have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis? What’s the difference between the two? Could I have another type of inflammatory condition or disease?
   
   
5. Where exactly is the inflammation in my body?
   
   
6. Is something I’m eating or drinking causing my IBD or aggravating its symptoms? What about smoking? Or stress?
   
   
7. What type of treatment do you recommend?
   
   
8. What medication is most appropriate for me? How long will I have to take it? Are there over-the-counter medications I can also take that would help?
   
   
9. Are there any over-the-counter medications I should avoid?
   
   
10. Will I need surgery?  What are the risks and benefits of surgery, given the extent and severity of my IBD?
    
    
11. What lifestyle changes do you recommend to accommodate my IBD?