While there is no cure, Crohn's disease is treatable. Many medications can help control the symptoms of Crohn's disease. These include:
- Corticosteroids such as budesonide*, hydrocortisone, and prednisone are used short term to reduce swelling and tissue damage.
- Immune modifiers such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate help suppress the immune system so that the body stops attacking its own tissues. These treatments may be used long term.
- Sulfasalazine, an anti-inflammatory medication, may be used in mild cases of Crohn's disease.
- Biologic response modifiers , also known as biologics, such as adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and vedolizumab, are given as injections to people with moderate-to-severe symptoms when other treatments are not effective.
- Antibiotics such as metronidazole and ciprofloxacin can prevent and treat bacterial growth in infected wounds in the bowels.
- Loperamide or other drugs to slow down intestinal transit may be taken to alleviate general cramps and diarrhea, but should not be used in severe cases.
A good diet is just as important as medications in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Not only are some foods gentler on an inflamed intestine, it's also vital to get the right nutrition even when the gut isn't processing food efficiently. The wrong diet can lead to weight loss and more symptoms. There are special high-calorie liquid supplements that can help. Your doctor will make recommendations on dietary requirements and may test certain vitamin levels in your blood every 1 to 2 years.
Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's can't be completely cured by surgery. Removing an inflamed part of the colon may offer many symptom-free years, but eventually, inflammation recurs at the site where the two cut ends have been joined together, causing symptoms to appear again.
Surgery may involve removal of part of the colon or small intestine, removing the inflamed part in the middle and reattaching the loose ends. If the rectum is diseased, however, it is removed with the whole colon.
The small intestine is then attached to a hole created in the side of the abdomen, creating an ileostomy. If only a part of the colon has been removed and the remaining portion is attached to a hole created in the side of the abdomen, the opening is called a colostomy. Waste collects in an external pouch attached to these openings, and needs to be changed on a regular basis. These pouches can emit smells and noises. A person considering surgery must weigh the risks and benefits of surgery very carefully with their doctor, bearing in mind that it's not always a complete solution but may be necessary in certain circumstances.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Crohns-Disease