[Clinical features of inflammatory bowel disease (author's transl)]

Inflammatory bowel disease may be caused by virus, bacteria, fungus, parasites or mechanical conditions. Among the inflammatory bowel diseases caused by bacteria salmonellosis and cholera are most important. Their treatment has been revolutionized within the last decade. Instead of the administration of antibiotics the usage of fluids, glucose and electrolytes represents the method of choice. Using the so called "traveller's disease" as an example the pathophysiological aspects of the treatment may be best explained. Etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, the incidence of which seems to be increasing lately, are still unknown. Before onset of treatment it is essential to establish an exact diagnosis, further to determine distribution and inflammatory activity, as those control the therapy. Salazosulphapyridine and steroids have proved effective drugs. Azathioprine should only be used combined with steroids. Recent investigations suggest that certain formula diets, such as e. g. Survimed, may be useful in the management of the disease as well.