Inflammatory bowel disease in the adolescent patient

Neither ulcerative colitis nor granulomatous bowel disease has universal defining features. Distinction between the 2 illnesses requires full consideration of the clinical presentation, histopathology, and radiographic data. Despite the similarities between ulcerative colitis and granulomatous bowel disease, prognosis varies and therapeutic regimens should be individualized. The teenager's response to his or her chronic illness and its management depends on a mature, communicative relationship with the physician. The doctor, recognizing the adolescent's concern about body image and the immediate present, must nonetheless view the patient not as a child but as a young adult. Without this understanding, there can be little effective medical and psychosocial care.