Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are increasingly prevalent in our society. The main symptoms of these episodic diseases are abdominal pain and diarrhea, but extra-intestinal manifestations can also occur. Currently, a cure is not possible, which is why the selection of appropriate medications and the safety of drug therapy are paramount to improving patients' quality of life. The therapeutic strategy should be tailored to the patient's age and the severity of the disease. Medical treatment is particularly challenging for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and patients over 60 years old. This seminar volume provides a comprehensive overview of IBD, its treatment, and the support provided by pharmacies. The first part by Prof. Dr. Raja Atreya includes the definition and epidemiology.