Help for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a condition of the digestive system. It can affect the entire digestive tract, but usually affects the ileum, which is the end of the small intestine. It is characterized by inflammation in the different layers of the intestine, in turn causing diarrhea and abdominal pain. Doctors aren't really sure what causes this inflammatory bowel disease, but they believe it has to do with three things: genetic factors, immune system factors and environmental factors.
If you have Crohn's disease, there are things that can be done to help you; you may some day even go into remission, although doctors and scientists have not found a cure yet.

Prescription Medications

• There are different medications that a doctor may prescribe if you have this condition. One type of medication is an anti-inflammatory drug, such as sulfasalazine. Corticosteroids may also be used as anti-inflammatory drugs, and they might include prednisone. These drugs help with the swelling and inflammation that is going on in the intestines, although they can have numerous side effects.
  Another type of medication the doctor may prescribe is a medication that restrains the immune system. These drugs might include Imuran, Remicade, Humira and methotrexate. These drugs can also have numerous side effects, but they are known to help. It can take some of these drugs a while to work; Remicade and Humira work by stopping TNF, tumor necrosis factor, an immune system protein, from getting to the intestines. TNF is believed to be part of the cause of inflammation in Crohn's.
  Antibiotics, such as Flagyl or Cipro, may also be prescribed to help bacteria levels to go down. They can also be used to help you recover from any fistulas or abscesses you may have.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• If you suffer from a great deal of diarrhea with Crohn's, it may be beneficial for you to take anti-diarrheal medications, such as Imodium. You might even try adding some sort of fiber additive into your regimen, such as Metamucil. The fiber can help to stabilize your bowel movements.
  If your intestines have a lot of inflammation, it is possible you could become constipated and not able to have regular bowel movements. Your doctor can help point you to a laxative or stool softener that might help relieve these symptoms.
  If you have a lot of pain with Crohn's, Tylenol is probably one of your best options; of course, follow the advice of your doctor. Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, such as Aleve or aspirin, should not be taken.

Supplements

• There are several supplements your doctor might recommend, including iron. Iron is needed to prevent anemia, and if Crohn's has caused you to have intensive bleeding, you may be anemic. The iron will help to bring your levels back up.
  Since vitamin B-12 is absorbed through your terminal ileum in your small intestine, Crohn's disease might affect how well it can be absorbed, and you may become anemic due to a B-12 deficiency. Your doctor may prescribe injections of this important vitamin.
  The process of osteoporosis can be started by Crohn's disease and some of the medications you have to take, namely corticosteroids. Therefore, you need extra calcium and vitamin D, which your doctor will recommend to you at the specific dosages you need.

Nutrition

• Doctors really don't have a specific diet for patients with Crohn's disease, so it's important for you to stick to foods that don't cause flare-ups or cause you additional pain. If you eat something and it repeatedly causes you to have pain or symptoms, cut that item out of your diet. Spicy foods can be especially troublesome.
  There are certain things that might help you, nutrition-wise. You might want to cut down the amount of dairy products you consume. Try eating foods that are lower in fat. Fiber is recommended, but some of the raw veggies or fruits you eat may cause you more pain and problems; try different ways of cooking those veggies, and avoid the ones that cause you aggravation.
  Fluids are important to prevent dehydration.
  If you have trouble processing your food, your doctor may recommend a nutritional supplement.
  If your Crohn's is severe, the doctor may put you in the hospital and give you supplementation through an IV.

Surgery

• Crohn's disease can lead to more serious health problems, including intestinal blockages or obstructions, bleeding or fistulas or abscesses. These can be helped through surgical procedures. Sometimes the inflammation may be so bad that a portion of the intestines needs to be removed; this will help to relieve your symptoms for a while, but is not a cure. The rest of the colon can become diseased as well, and you may even require entire removal of your colon someday. It's important to discuss your options with your doctor and really consider what should be done before jumping in full force.

Stress Relief

• If you have Crohn's, it is important for you to relieve stress any way you can. Get involved in something that you enjoy, such as a hobby or outdoor activity. Exercise regularly, as exercise will help to relieve tension and help with the intestines as well, increasing motility. Use different mental exercises to help relieve stress, such as visualization.

Conclusion

• Make sure to have regular checkups with your doctor so that you can stay on top of your disease and the latest treatments that are available to help you. Learn everything you can about the disease, and get to know your body well.