Treatments of Crohns 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 Crohns Disease, they are helpful is controlling the symptoms. In ebook 2 of A Complete Guide to Crohns Disease and Possible Treatments, each of these treatments is looked at more completely.
There are five basic categories of medication to treat Crohns: aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologic therapies. Aminosalicylates are used to treat various inflammatory bowel diseases. While used less often with Crohns, 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 Crohns. Immunomodulators are used to suppress the bodys immunity mechanisms, which is useful in treating Crohns as it is believed the disease may be brought on by the bodys 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 Crohns. These are created by various living organisms and, in the case of Crohns treatment, include the use of an antibody which works to suppress the bodys release of a particular chemical that increases inflammation.
Crohns 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 Crohns disease is to control the intake of certain foods. While it is clear Crohns 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 Crohns.
Tags:
Abscess,
Anti Inflammatory Medications,
Antibiotics,
Antibody,
Bacteria,
Biologic Therapies,
Biological Therapies,
Corticosteroids,
Crohn S Disease,
Fistula,
Immune System,
Immunity,
Inflammation,
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,
Intestine,
Intestines,
Living Organisms,
Medication Treatment,
Moderate Cases,
Scar Tissue
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The disease is also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, regional ileitis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis and it causes ulcerations of the small and large intestine. The disease can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but distinctively affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel. The disease is named after the American physician, Burrill Bernard Crohn (18841983), who described the disease in 1932.
Crohns Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease symptoms may include:
Chronic diarrhea & disrupted digestion: It becomes difficult for the patients in the acute phase of the disease to eat and/or digest food.
Painful and debilitating inflammation
Fistulas of the colon
Hemorrhoids
Lipid absorption problems
Anemia: Persistent rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
Bruising of the shins.
Fever, pain and psychological damage in many cases
Crohn’s disease in children may cause delayed development and stunted growth.
Crohns Disease Treatment
Crohn’s disease treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary advice and Helminthic therapy (current research).
- Medication Treatment
Acute treatment: steroids are used in the initial stages. Long-term steroid therapy is discouraged because of their side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone are traditionally used medications. The side effects of steroids may include insulin resistance and frank diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe psychological issues etc.
Chronic treatment (Steroid-sparing): The treatment may include Salicylates – 5-ASA derivates – 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Salazopyrin), mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol), olsalazine, and balsalazide. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are given mainly in moderate-to-severe cases. Infliximab (brand name Remicade) is given in patients with therapy-resistant or fistulating Crohn’s. Adalimumab (brand name Humira) has been used in patients who show allergic reaction to infliximab. The drugs like thalidomide are under study trials.
- Surgery
In the case of widespread intractable Crohn’s colitis, the colon and rectum (protocolectomy) are removed by the surgery ileostomy. Surgery is generally avoided, as this does not cure the disease. Crohns disease can recur at the site of the anastomosis or ileostomy.
- Dietary Advice
Crohns patients should avoid the following foods and liquids:
Dairy foods
High fiber foods should be avoided during flare-ups.
Hot spicy foods
Alcohol & caffeine
Foods containing saturated fats, found in meat and dairy products. However some fats such as in fish oil may actually be helpful.
Products containing corn or gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale
Foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes
Gas-producing foods such as cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
Foods that may irritate the intestine (particularly the cabbage family vegetables)
Simple sugars
Dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple
Sorbitol (an artificial sweetener)
Beneficial Foods:
Fluids to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation
Fruits may be protective
A high protein diet with lean meats
Advice:
Eat small frequent meals
Prebiotics such as psyllium may help in the healing process.
Probiotics may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.
- Helminthic Therapy
Recent studies have come up with a promising Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Helminthic therapy is a new treatment that has shown impressive results in clinical trials. It argues that the absence of intestinal worms (due primarily to higher hygiene standards) from the human intestinal tract may cause the immune system that is not evolutionary adapted to this condition, to over-react causing inflammation and other negative effects, and that reintroducing helminths through ingesting eggs of a certain species (which is not dangerous to humans) can help down regulate and normalize immune responses.
Helminthic therapy like the fecal bacterio therapy induces a characteristic TH2 white cell response in the diseased areas which seems to be the key in achieving and maintaining remission, and may prove to be of key significance in further research.
Tags:
6 Mercaptopurine,
Aminosalicylic Acid,
Balsalazide,
Chronic Diarrhea,
Chronic Inflammatory Disease,
Chronic Treatment,
Crohn S Disease,
Crohns Disease Symptoms,
Effects Of Steroids,
Immunomodulating Drugs,
Insulin Resistance,
Lipid Absorption,
Medication Treatment,
Pentasa,
Regional Ileitis,
Salazopyrin,
Side Effects Of Steroids,
Small And Large Intestine,
Steroid Therapy,
Terminal Ileitis
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The disease is also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, regional ileitis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis and it causes ulcerations of the small and large intestine. The disease can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but distinctively affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel. The disease is named after the American physician, Burrill Bernard Crohn (18841983), who described the disease in 1932.
Crohns Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease symptoms may include:
Chronic diarrhea & disrupted digestion: It becomes difficult for the patients in the acute phase of the disease to eat and/or digest food.
Painful and debilitating inflammation
Fistulas of the colon
Hemorrhoids
Lipid absorption problems
Anemia: Persistent rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
Bruising of the shins.
Fever, pain and psychological damage in many cases
Crohn’s disease in children may cause delayed development and stunted growth.
Crohns Disease Treatment
Crohn’s disease treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary advice and Helminthic therapy (current research).
- Medication Treatment
Acute treatment: steroids are used in the initial stages. Long-term steroid therapy is discouraged because of their side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone are traditionally used medications. The side effects of steroids may include insulin resistance and frank diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe psychological issues etc.
Chronic treatment (Steroid-sparing): The treatment may include Salicylates – 5-ASA derivates – 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Salazopyrin), mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol), olsalazine, and balsalazide. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are given mainly in moderate-to-severe cases. Infliximab (brand name Remicade) is given in patients with therapy-resistant or fistulating Crohn’s. Adalimumab (brand name Humira) has been used in patients who show allergic reaction to infliximab. The drugs like thalidomide are under study trials.
- Surgery
In the case of widespread intractable Crohn’s colitis, the colon and rectum (protocolectomy) are removed by the surgery ileostomy. Surgery is generally avoided, as this does not cure the disease. Crohns disease can recur at the site of the anastomosis or ileostomy.
- Dietary Advice
Crohns patients should avoid the following foods and liquids:
Dairy foods
High fiber foods should be avoided during flare-ups.
Hot spicy foods
Alcohol & caffeine
Foods containing saturated fats, found in meat and dairy products. However some fats such as in fish oil may actually be helpful.
Products containing corn or gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale
Foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes
Gas-producing foods such as cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
Foods that may irritate the intestine (particularly the cabbage family vegetables)
Simple sugars
Dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple
Sorbitol (an artificial sweetener)
Beneficial Foods:
Fluids to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation
Fruits may be protective
A high protein diet with lean meats
Advice:
Eat small frequent meals
Prebiotics such as psyllium may help in the healing process.
Probiotics may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.
- Helminthic Therapy
Recent studies have come up with a promising Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Helminthic therapy is a new treatment that has shown impressive results in clinical trials. It argues that the absence of intestinal worms (due primarily to higher hygiene standards) from the human intestinal tract may cause the immune system that is not evolutionary adapted to this condition, to over-react causing inflammation and other negative effects, and that reintroducing helminths through ingesting eggs of a certain species (which is not dangerous to humans) can help down regulate and normalize immune responses.
Helminthic therapy like the fecal bacterio therapy induces a characteristic TH2 white cell response in the diseased areas which seems to be the key in achieving and maintaining remission, and may prove to be of key significance in further research.
Tags:
6 Mercaptopurine,
Aminosalicylic Acid,
Balsalazide,
Chronic Diarrhea,
Chronic Inflammatory Disease,
Chronic Treatment,
Crohn S Disease,
Crohns Disease Symptoms,
Effects Of Steroids,
Immunomodulating Drugs,
Insulin Resistance,
Lipid Absorption,
Medication Treatment,
Pentasa,
Regional Ileitis,
Salazopyrin,
Side Effects Of Steroids,
Small And Large Intestine,
Steroid Therapy,
Terminal Ileitis
Entries