For patients and families
Patient guides
Short, plain-language guides you can read, print or share. Each one is reviewed by Dr. Squirell and lists its sources.
New to IBD? Start here
Four short reads, in order. Most people read them over their first few visits.
Living with IBD
Pregnancy and family
Medicines
- Are acid blockers (PPIs) safe?What acid-blocking pills do, who needs them for the long term, what the scary headlines really mean, and how to take less safely.7 min
- Starting a biologic or advanced pillWhat happens before and after you start a biologic or advanced pill for IBD. Screening tests, vaccines, how each is given, infections, travel, pregnancy and paying for it.8 min
- Thinking about stopping your IBD medicineWho might be able to lower or stop an IBD medicine, how likely a flare is, how it is done safely with your team, and a short check to help you start the talk.8 min
Tests and procedures
- Calprotectin stool testA simple stool test that shows whether there is inflammation in your bowel. Here is how to collect it, what the numbers mean, and what can throw it off.5 min
- Getting ready for a colonoscopyA step-by-step guide to bowel prep. A clean bowel means a better, safer test, and less chance you will need to do it again.7 min
- Intestinal ultrasoundA painless scan of your bowel, often done right in the IBD clinic. You can eat as usual, there are no needles and no radiation, and you can talk about the results the same day.6 min
Food and digestion
- Celiac diseaseWhat celiac disease is, how it is tested for (keep eating gluten until testing is done), and how to live well on a gluten-free diet.6 min
- Getting enough fibreHow much fibre you need, the two kinds of fibre, how to add it slowly without gas and bloating, and when people with Crohn's should take care.6 min
- Heartburn and reflux (GERD)Simple changes that ease heartburn and reflux, which ones work best, and when to see a doctor.5 min
- Prunes for constipationWhat the research really shows about prunes for constipation, how many to eat, side effects, and who should be careful.4 min
- The low-FODMAP dietA short-term, 3-step eating plan that helps many people with IBS find which foods trigger gas, bloating, pain and diarrhea. Best done with a dietitian.6 min
- Ultra-processed foods and IBDWhat ultra-processed foods are, what research really shows about them and IBD, and simple steps you can take without a strict diet.6 min
Screening and prevention
- Colon cancer screening in OntarioOntario now offers colon cancer screening from age 45. Find out which test is right for you, how to get it, and what an abnormal result means.6 min
- Vaccines and IBDWhich vaccines you need with Crohn's or colitis, which are safe on immune-weakening medicines, and why timing matters for live vaccines.7 min