Possible Treatments For Crohn's Disease
Treatments of Crohn's Disease are primarily limited to
medication and surgery. There are several anti-inflammatory
medications that have proven to be beneficial, as well as
various forms of surgery depending on the location of the
affected area of bowel. Although none of these actually cure
Crohn's Disease, they are helpful is controlling the symptoms.
In ebook 2 of "A Complete Guide to Crohn's Disease and Possible
Treatments," each of these treatments is looked at more
completely.
There are five basic categories of medication to treat Crohn's:
aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators,
antibiotics, and biologic therapies. Aminosalicylates are used
to treat various inflammatory bowel diseases. While used less
often with Crohn's, it has proven to be effective in mild to
moderate cases. Corticosteroids work to control inflammation and
have been the primary medication treatment since the drug was
introduced. Newer version of this type of steroid has proven
even more effective in treating Crohn's. Immunomodulators are
used to suppress the body's immunity mechanisms, which is useful
in treating Crohn's as it is believed the disease may be brought
on by the body's attempt to rid the intestine of bacteria.
Antibiotics, on the other hand, are used to rid the body of
bacteria and actually repress the intestinal immune system.
Biological therapies have recently become a major player in
treating Crohn's. These are created by various living organisms
and, in the case of Crohn's treatment, include the use of an
antibody which works to suppress the body's release of a
particular chemical that increases inflammation.
Crohn's Disease is also treated by surgery. At some point, the
majority of people with this disease will have to have a portion
of their intestines removed should it become blocked with scar
tissue, develop an abscess, or if a fistula requires repair. In
the case of a resection, a portion of the bowel is removed, and
the two remaining ends are rejoined. However, in more severe
cases an ileostomy or colostomy are required, in which fecal
matter is redirected, after the removal of a portion of bowel,
to a hole in the abdomen to leave the body. The two latter types
of surgery are particularly difficult for the patient, as they
will then have to wear a bag in which stool is collected.
However, there have been major advancements to make this less
difficult for the patient.
A less effective treatment option for Crohn's disease is to
control the intake of certain foods. While it is clear Crohn's
Disease is not caused by any particular food, some people notice
an increase in certain symptoms with particular foods and a
decrease with others. This will vary by individual, but is an
option for sufferers of Crohn's.