Treating Crohn's Disease With Medication
The medication available to treat Crohn's disease is fairly
abundant; although, there are basically four categories. Symptom
relief drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system
suppressors, and antibiotics are the basic types of medication
to be taken.
Symptom relief drugs are often used to tolerate the effects of
Crohn's Disease, but do not really cure or eliminate the primary
condition, which is inflammation of the digestive system.
Anti-diarrheals, laxatives, pain relievers, iron supplements,
and nutritional supplements are on the list of most used
medications and are usually available over the counter, although
more potent forms may be prescribed. A common complaint is
diarrhea, which occurs in almost of Crohn's sufferers;
therefore, ant-diarrheals, such as fiber supplements or
loperamide (Imodium), may be used to control the occurrence of
diarrhea. On the other hand, blockages may also occur due to the
inflammation and scar tissue found in the bowel system. For this
ailment, laxatives are sometimes used. Pain relievers, such as
acetaminophen, may be used to relieve abdominal and joint pain
common with Crohn's. However, other pain relievers, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
sodium, should not be used as they will worsen symptoms. Also,
nutritional and iron supplements may be necessary to restore
much needed elements to your body.
However, to truly treat symptoms instead of masking their
effects, anti-inflammatory medications are most often used.
Considering the primary effect of Crohn's is the inflammation of
the intestinal system, reducing this swelling will greatly
reduce the negative side effects of the disorder. Sulfasalazine,
Mesalamine, and Corticosteroids are the most common forms of
anti-inflammatory used for Crohn's. Sulfasalazine is the most
often used; however, it has very negative side effects, such as
nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Mesalamine is used less, but
has far less side effects. Corticosteroids are used to treat
several disorders. However, they are less effective in Crohn's
Disease and have serious side effects.
Immune system suppressors are also usually effective in treating
as Crohn's Disease is caused by an exaggerated response of the
body's immune system. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are the
most common forms of immunosuppressant used to treat Crohn's.
Unfortunately, these medications may cause liver damage, high
blood pressure, cancer and increased risk of infection.
Antibiotics are usually used to control negative effects of
infection by healing fistulas, abscesses, and ulcers.
Antibiotics do have side effects, especially the forms used to
treat Crohn's. However, untreated infection could be disastrous.