In December 2019 I went to Advances in IBD, which is a medical meeting that's focused entirely on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The understanding that IBD is more than a "bathroom disease" has finally hit home, and attendees (which include healthcare professionals such as nurses, dietitians, gastroenterologists, GI psychologists, and colorectal surgeons) were educated on a variety of topics. In this episode I provide some of the highlights of the meeting including sessions on diet, medication risks, and pregnancy.

Articles and information discussed in this episode include a discussion of absolute risk, "Don't Forget that 5-ASAs Also Have Side Effects: Recognizing Complications", "Diet, the Microbiome, and IBD: 'Doctor, what should I eat for my IBD?'," "Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pregnancy Clinical Care Pathway: A Report From the American Gastroenterological Association IBD Parenthood Project Working Group," and "Episode 48: Summer of Activism - Getting Kids Involved in Activism."

Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Credits: Sound engineering courtesy Mac Cooney. "IBD Dance Party" ©Cooney Studio.