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| What is Crohn's Disease?
Definition> Symptoms> Diagnosis> Treatment What is Crohn's? Treatment There are two main aspects to treating Crohn's Disease, first is treating for Crohn's flares when it is active and attempting to subdue the disease into remission, second is maintaing remission if it is possible to bring the symptoms under control. Flares may be treated with medication in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics used to treat inflammation and infection, respectively (medications). Immunosuppresents may be used to lower overactivity of the immune system that results in inflammation in the digestive tract. An undesirable side effect of immunosupprents are increased susceptability to sickness and infection. Surgery may be used on patients that have intestinal blockage from strictures or to treat fistulae. Surgey does not prevent Crohn's and is needed only to treat complications that result from constant inflammation or abnormal growths. Remission and maintaing remission is the number one goal of Crohn's treatment. Once remission is achieved, it may be possible to discontinue medication regimens in mild to moderate Crohn's sufferers. Maintaining remission is usually done through lifestyle changes. Smoking greatly increases Crohn's flares and exacerbates the symptoms; quitting smoking is an imperative life change. Keeping a food diary in order to track what foods aggravate symptoms may be helpful in avoiding flares. A healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep are very helpful in maintaing remission in patients. |
| created April 1, 2011 last updated January 1, 2012 |
