Not all patients with Crohn's disease are treated the same way. Treatment depends on the location and severity of a patient's disease, the presence of complications and the patient's response to previous medications. Therapy is aimed at quieting inflammation, closing fistulas if present, correcting nutritional deficiencies and relieving symptoms. Treatment includes drugs, nutrition supplements and surgery. Treatment can help control the disease, but there is no cure.
Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years when they are free of symptoms.
Unfortunately, the disease usually recurs at various times over an individual's lifetime. Although predicting when a flare-up may occur is not possible, early recognition of symptoms results in a better response to treatment. The treatment of Crohn's disease depends on its severity, location and the existence of any complications. It must be individualized. Most individuals have mild to moderate disease and are treated with medications containing mesalamine.