The treatment for Crohn's disease varies depending on the extent and severity of thedisease, complications, and response to medical therapies. Crohn's is a chronic disease, with no known cure. However, there are a variety of treatments that make the disease more manageable. Health care providers select the most appropriate interventions to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. This may include drugs , nutrition support , surgery , or a combination of these options.
Some people have long periods of remission, when they are free of symptoms.
However, because the disease usually recurs at some point, careful monitoring of symptoms and medical follow-ups are very important in minimizing the complications associated with Crohn's disease. Diagnostic Tests for Crohn's Disease Blood tests Check for signs of bleeding, such as anemia, or uncover a high white blood cell count which indicates inflammation. Fecal occult blood test Tests a sample of stool for microscopic evidence of bleeding. Endoscopy Use of a small flexible tube allowing the physician to examine the lining of the upper intestine for signs of inflammation or bleeding. Upper GI series Barium, a chalky liquid that is swallowed, coats the bowel so that abnormal areas will be more easily visualized on a series of x-rays.