How to Treat Crohn's

Crohn's disease is also known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It causes inflammation of the digestive tract and can be life threatening if the symptoms are not managed. Crohn's usually affects the small intestine, causing diarrhea and frequent stomach pains. The symptoms of Crohn's can be controlled through medications, herbal remedies and even surgery. You should not avoid treatment in hopes that your condition will get better. Make an appointment with your physician so that you are treated for this disease properly.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins
• Herbs
• Medications (prescribed)

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Instructions

How to Treat Crohn's

• 1

  Medicine. This is the most common remedy you can use to alleviate symptoms from Crohn's. While there is no cure for Crohn's, there have been several medications developed to lessen the painful affects that come from complications of this disease. Because Crohn's can cause diarrhea, medication such as Immodium can be used. Also, to reduce inflammation, steroids can be administered. Prednisolone, a common steroid medication, which has anti-inflammatory properties, is generally the first method of treatment.

• 2

  Surgery. The purpose in having surgery is to help alleviate pain and complications that come along with Crohn's. If you are having blockage, excessive bleeding and/or perforation of the bowel, surgery will be needed. There are at least several types of surgery options available to you, depending upon the seriousness of the disease. The location of the disease will determine the type of surgery needed. You may need to have a part of your intestines or possibly your colon removed. Speak with your physician about the surgery and what is best in your case.

• 3

  Control Crohn's using diet and nutritional supplements. Since Crohn's is due to complications within the gastrointestinal tract, you can use dietary supplements to improve digestion. You will also need to consume a diet that's high in fiber. Since you lose important nutrients, it is a good idea to replace them with vitamins such B12, iron, potassium and magnesium. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and stay away from raw and fried foods that are hard on the intestines.

• 4

  Consider herbal remedies. There are a variety of herbs that can help ease the symptoms that stem from Crohn's disease. If you are apprehensive about medications, you can try herbal remedies for pain relief. ginko biloba, green tea and aloe vera have been used to treat problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking green tea daily can reduce, and even eliminate, inflammation caused by Crohn's. Aloe vera can be consumed to soften the stools and ease discomfort when diarrhea becomes an issue.