Digestive Advantages of Crohn's & Colitis Therapy

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most prevalent inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). People who suffer from these diseases have swelling in their intestinal lining that leads to digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps and bleeding during bowel movements. Treatment and therapy options both aim to reduce intestinal inflammation and to relieve the digestive troubles of IBD. Successful treatment will help people who suffer from IBD keep their digestive system regulated and symptom-free.

Diet

• Although diet alone will not reduce the intestinal inflammation of Crohn's and colitis, dietary changes may help with some of the symptoms of these IBDs. An increase in fiber, reduction of dairy or a diet that cuts down on foods that the body naturally has a difficult time digesting may help ease IBD symptoms. Since the inflammation found in Crohn's and colitis reduces the small intestine's ability to break down food, talk to your doctor about a meal plan that incorporates foods that your small intestine will have an easier time digesting.

  As IBDs vary greatly from person to person, each individual must consult the doctor about a specific diet to help with Crohn's and colitis flare-ups. To find the foods that ease or exacerbate symptoms, write a daily food journal of what you eat and how severe your symptoms are after each meal.

Medicinal Treatments

• Doctors use a variety of medicines to treat Crohn's and colitis. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as sulfasalazine and other aminosalicylates may reduce intestinal swelling and get your digestive system back on track. Other frequently used medicines include corticosteroids to control inflammation and your immune system's influence on inflammation, immunomodulators and antibiotics to eliminate intestinal bacteria that may worsen symptoms and promote inflammation. IBD medicines not only help acute symptoms, but they also prevent future inflammation and keep your IBD in remission.

Surgical Procedures

• If Crohn's and colitis symptoms persist despite dietary changes and medicinal therapy, a doctor may need to opt for surgical procedures. Moderate cases of Crohn's and colitis will benefit from removal of inflamed/swollen intestinal tissues. Severe cases of IBD require surgeons to remove full portions of the lower digestive tract. While removal of an inflamed section of the intestine will often cure colitis, Crohn's disease often reappears in other portions of the lower digestive tract. Nonetheless, if you have Crohn's disease, removal of an inflamed section of your colon or small intestine will usually have an immediate impact. However, note that you may require further surgeries to achieve optimal digestive health if you have Crohn's disease. Once the inflamed sections are removed, your body will have an easier time digesting foods and absorbing nutrients.