However, in addition to 5-ASA, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive medications, antibiotics also are commonly used. The surgical treatment for Crohn's disease also is different from that for ulcerative colitis. Surgery in Crohn's disease is used to treat complications and is conservative, that is, preserves as much of the colon as possible. Crohn's disease is a recurrent disease, and after surgery, the disease returns. Therefore, extensive surgeries are usually avoided in order to reduce future complications.
Most patients lose weight, usually due to inadequate intake of nutrients.
Patients with IBD eat less because of anorexia or because the symptoms of the disease are worsened by eating food. Patients should eat a balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be prescribed as needed, since patients that do not have malabsorption complications will likely not need a vitamin supplement. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.