Prevention in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Updated Review

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are subject to complications from the disease itself and also from the immunosuppressive therapies used for treatment. To optimize the care of patients with IBD, providers need to consider primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention is employed to prevent a disease or complication from developing, such as immunizations. Secondary prevention detects a disease early to prevent disability, such as through screening programs. Tertiary prevention employs measures to reduce the impact of long-term disease and disability. This review highlights methods of prevention that can be utilized in patients with IBD via partnership between the primary care and gastroenterology provider.