Article: Many different medications are used to control symptoms of Crohn's disease. The type of medication that works for you will depend on the specific nature of your Crohn's disease and the severity of your symptoms. Some commonly used drug treatments include: Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs are often the first step in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) which is useful mainly in colonic disease , mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) which may help to prevent a relapse of Crohn's disease after surgery, and corticosteroids. Immune system suppressors: These drugs also reduce inflammation, but they target your immune system rather than treating inflammation itself. They include azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), and natalizumab (Tysabri). Antibiotics: These can heal fistulas and abscesses in people with Crohn's disease. They include metronidazole (Flagyl) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Antidiarrheal agents: Crohn's disease patients who suffer from chronic diarrhea usually respond well to antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide. Loperamide - which is sold commercially as Imodium - can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription. Bile acid sequestrants: Patients with terminal ileal disease or a previous resection of the ileum (end part of the small intestine) may not absorb bile acids normally which can lead to secretory diarrhea in the colon. These patients may benefit from bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine or colestipol. Other medications: Some other medications that may relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease include steroids, immune system suppressors, fiber supplements, laxatives, pain relievers, iron supplements, vitamin B12 shots, and calcium and vitamin D supplements. There's no firm evidence that what you eat actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate the disease (especially during a flare-up) while others can help to ease symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Fiber supplementation is said to be beneficial for patients with colonic disease. This is due to the fact that dietary fiber can be converted to short-chain fatty acids, which help the colon to heal itself. Try to avoid dairy products, as most patients with Crohn's disease (particularly of the small intestine) are lactose intolerant. You may use calcium supplements to make up for any deficiencies and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Avoid foods which tend to cause gas and bloating such as beans and leafy green vegetables. You should also limit your intake of fatty, greasy or fried foods which can interfere with healthy digestion. In addition, you should try to eat smaller amounts throughout the day, to minimize bloating and avoid putting excess strain on your digestive system. In certain circumstances, your doctor may recommend a special diet given via a feeding tube (enteral) or nutrients injected into a vein (parenteral) to treat your Crohn's disease. This is a temporary way of providing nutrition, usually to people who's intestines need to rest following surgery, or who's intestines are failing to absorb nutrients by themselves. Be aware that every Crohn's patient is different and may have their own unique food intolerances. A good way to identify such intolerances is to keep a daily food journal where you make a note of everything you eat. This can help you to identify food items that exacerbate your symptoms. Once you are aware of which foods cause your symptoms, you can make an effort to avoid them. Although Crohn's disease can't be cured, you can minimize symptoms and live a normal, full life by following your doctor recommended treatments and making several healthy lifestyle choices. These include: Reduce stress: Although stress doesn't cause Crohn's disease, it can make your signs and symptoms much worse and may trigger flare-ups. Although it's not always possible to avoid stress, you can learn ways to help manage it. Quit smoking: If you smoke, you are far more likely to develop Crohn's disease. In addition, smoking worsens the symptom's of Crohn's disease, and increases the likelihood of complications and surgical intervention. Exercise more: Regular exercise will help you to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress - two things that can make a huge difference in helping you to control the disease. Try to find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing - whether it's a dance class, rock climbing or dragon boat racing. Avoid drinking alcohol: Symptoms of Crohn's disease can be worsened as a result of drinking alcohol. Therefore, it is recommended that you drink only in moderation, or cut out alcohol completely. If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy or other treatments don't relieve your signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove a damaged portion of your digestive tract or to close fistulas or remove scar tissue. The three mains types of surgery Crohn's patients undergo are as follows: Proctocolectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the rectum and all or part of the colon. It is performed with the patient under general anesthetic by a specialized surgeon. Recovery time is usually between 4 and 6 weeks. Ileostomy: An ileostomy is a second procedure that is performed in addition to the proctocolectomy. It involves attaching the ileum (the end part of the small intestine) to an opening in the abdomen (called a stoma). A small bag (called an ostomy pouch) is attached to the stoma to collect stool. After the surgery, the patient will be shown how to empty and clean the pouch, and can go on to live a healthy, normal life. Intestinal resection surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of just the diseased section of the intestine. After the removal, the two healthy ends are attached, allowing the intestines to resume normal function. Recovery usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. The NIH estimates that approximately two thirds of people with Crohn's disease will require surgery at some point in their lives, when they fail to respond to other treatments. Unfortunately, the disease often returns following surgery, so further procedures may be required. If Crohn's Disease is presenting with stubborn fistulae (Fistulising Crohn's Disease) then an Ayurvedic Para Surgical Technique known as "Kshar Sutra Therapy" is proved very effective along with Ayurvedic (herbal) medicines. Herbs such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, Asparagus racemosus etc can be beneficial in Crohn's disease. Studies on Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) suggest that this herb may normalize the environment in the intestines by reducing the inflammation and promote the healing of ulcers. Studies on Asparagus racemosus suggest that this herb may soothe the gastric mucosal lining and promote the repair of damaged and stressed tissues. Studies on Valeriana Officinalis suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, involuntary passing of stools, and nausea. Studies on Veratrum Album suggest that this Advanced Resonance Homeopathic remedy may relieve loose and watery stools.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Ask your doctor about drug therapies. Follow doctor's recommendations regarding diet and nutrition. Make a number of lifestyle changes. Research surgical treatments. Try herbs that may be useful in Crohn's disease: