|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Digestive Problems Treated With Prednisone

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used for many things, but one of its primary uses is to reduce inflammation in the body. It can be used to decrease symptoms of arthritis, to combat allergic reactions and to improve breathing in diseases such as asthma. This versatile drug is also used as a treatment choice for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

  1. Ulcerative Colitis

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the GI tract. It is a chronic condition and can be painful and debilitating. The inflamed area includes the innermost lining of the rectum and colon and can be life threatening. The inflammation kills off the good cells, and leaves ulcers and sores in their place. The inflammation can cause the colon to empty quickly, which is not only painful but often produces diarrhea.

    Crohn's Disease

    • Crohn's disease is inflammation that affects the lower part of the intestine, the ileum. Because it involves tissue swelling, it is painful and often causes unexpected episodes of diarrhea. Like colitis, it can be debilitating, and because of its similarity to other digestive diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose. With Crohn's disease, it's possible to have lengths of healthy intestine in between the affected areas. Corticosteroids such as prednisone can help lower the inflammation and ease symptoms.

    Cancer

    • Prednisone has been an effective treatment for cancer patients for several reasons. It not only reduces inflammation and eases pain, but it also reduces nausea and improves appetite. This is important in the treatment of cancer patients because of the side effects of chemotherapy, which include nausea and loss of appetite. The American Cancer Society lists prednisone as a valuable treatment choice because it does many things, from lowering calcium levels for people with bone cancers, to helping prevent transplant rejection.

    Autoimmune Hepatitis

    • Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammation in the liver when immune cells mistake normal liver cells as harmful and attack them. This causes a number of GI symptoms, like abdominal distention, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Prednisone is used to suppress, or slow down, the immune process. When it is effective, prednisone may forestall a liver transplant.

Digestive Health - Related Articles