This review covers the use of steroids in the treatment of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It looks at controlled trials and uncontrolled trials as to the benefits of this agent in both inducing and maintaining remission. The review also stresses the high incidence of toxicity with prolonged use of steroids and the fact that controlled trials have clearly shown that steroids do not maintain remission in either disorder. Alternatives to initiating steroids in mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are presented. The use of steroids in fistulizing versus nonfistulizing Crohn's is also covered. Finally, there is a review of data and discussion of the role of antibiotics, immunosuppressives, and combination therapy for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The expectation is that the reader will consider alternatives to initiating and maintaining steroids for prolonged periods of time in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.