The Range of Treatments For Crohn's Disease
The primary goal for Crohn's Disease treatment is to control
inflammation in the digestive system. Because most of the
symptoms are a result of the swelling, most of the negative
effects of the disease will cease when inflammation is reduced.
Treatment may include medication therapy, or in extreme cases,
surgery.
Medication to treat Crohn's disease falls into one of four
categories: anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors,
antibiotics, and symptom relief drugs.
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Sulfasalazine,
Mesalamine, and Corticosteroids, are usually the first step in
treating Crohn's Disease. Sulfasalazine is very effective;
however, it has severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting,
and headaches. Mesalamine, on the other hand, has fewer side
effects but has been used for considerably less time.
Corticosteroids are a common treatment for a myriad of
disorders. However, they are less effective in Crohn's Disease
and have serious side effects.
Because Crohn's Disease is caused by an exaggerated response of
your immune system, immune suppressors are often an effective
form of treatment. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are the most
common forms used to treat IBD. Unfortunately, many of these
medications cause very negative side effects, such as liver
damage, high blood pressure, cancer and increased risk of
infection.
Antibiotics are typically used to reduce infection and to heal
fistulas and abscesses. These, too, have potential side effects;
however, in the case of infection, treatment is necessary to
avoid progression.
Symptom relief medications are often necessary as the effects of
Crohn's Disease are so severe. Anti-diarrheals, laxatives, pain
relievers, iron supplements, and nutritional supplements may
make Crohn's more bearable for sufferers. Due to excessive
diarrhea, medication is often necessary to avoid dehydration and
to improve the quality of life in general. On the other hand,
inflammation may cause constipation also; so laxatives may be
used to promote bowel movements. Abdominal pain is a common
complaint among those with IBD; however, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, should
not be used to treat Crohn's. Nutritional and iron supplements
may be used to replenish lacking vitamins and minerals to your
system.
Surgery is sometimes required in severe cases of Crohn's. It may
be necessary to remove diseased portions of your digestive
tract, or simply to close fistulas and drain abscesses. However,
surgery is usually only used as a last resort after other
treatment methods have been ineffective.
Crohn's Disease can not be cured; however, with many of these
treatment methods, relief may be available from the disease.