Crohn's disease treatment
Currently there is no Crohns disease cure, but there are a number of treatments that can make symptoms improve. They include a range of drugs, surgery or some people have found that a special Crohns disease diet can improve their symptoms.
Those who have Crohn's disease diagnosis are seen on a regular basis by specialists who will manage their treatment and monitor their condition.
Crohns disease symptoms can be relieved using anti-diarrhoea medicine and other drugs to relieve cramps and kill pain. Fluid replacements are also very important during bouts of diarrhea.
Crohn's disease inflammation symptom can be reduced by drugs such as steroids such as prednisolone and aminosalicylates like sulfasalazine.
More serious attacks of Crohns disease can be treated by medicines that suppress the over active immune system. This type of drug belongs to a group called immunosuppressants. A common immunosuppressants is azathioprine and a new drug called Infliximab (brand name Remicade®).
Lesions in the gut can be treated with the anti-bacterial agent Metronidazole and patient s with infections and abscesses may find specific antibiotics of use.
The majority of patients with Crohns will require surgery at some point when medications can no longer control their symptoms. Surgery is used to remove blockage and to correct complications such as perforation, abscess or bleeding. Surgery is not a cure for Crohns and often leads to further surgery as Crohns will reappear in other parts of the gut.
A colectomy where the colon is removed is sometime needed for those who have Crohns in their large intestine. In these cases the patient is fitted with a colostomy bag and will go on to lead a normal, active healthy life.