Coming to your gastroenterologist—a doctor who specializes in the gut—with a ready list of questions helps you understand your care. Here are questions grounded in what IBD can involve.

Ask about the treatment goal. The goal of IBD treatment is to keep you in remission, a time when symptoms disappear. Ask what achieving that goal looks like for you.

Ask about flares. A flare is when symptoms come back or get worse. Ask what early signs to watch for and when to call the office.

Ask about urgent warning signs. Severe symptoms—like heavy rectal bleeding or a high fever—can require emergency care. Ask which symptoms mean you should go to the emergency room right away.

Ask whether IBD can affect other body parts. IBD can sometimes cause inflammation in the joints, eyes, and skin, not just the gut. Ask if you should watch for those signs.

Ask about long-term risks. IBD is linked to complications like anemia and bone problems. Ask which risks apply to you and how they will be monitored.

Ask about colorectal cancer screening. People with IBD in the large intestine may need a colonoscopy—a test that looks inside the large intestine with a small camera—to screen for cancer. Ask when your doctor recommends this.

Ask about your treatment plan. Treatment for IBD may involve diet, medicines, and sometimes surgery. Ask what each part of your current plan is meant to do.