How to Treat Crohn's Disease

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, deciding on a treatment plan is the first step toward wellness. Although there is no cure, there are a variety of approaches that can help to manage the symptoms and keep the disease in remission for extended periods of time.

Things You'll Need

• Gastroenterologist
• Prescription medication
• Vitamins

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Understand the disease. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve the digestive tract, bowel, small intestine and sometimes the colon.

• 2

  Follow a drug therapy regime. With no known cure for Crohn's disease, emphasis is placed on controlling the inflammation. A patient's drug therapy program generally includes anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone or steroids, antibiotics, a drug to suppress the immune system and anti-diarrhea medicines.

• 3

  Provide added nutrition. In some cases, patients may need to take nutritional supplements, either in liquid form or with the help of an IV. This helps individuals who require more nutrition (temporary or long-term) or those who need to give their intestines a rest.

• 4

  Undergo surgery, which may be required when drug therapy loses its effectiveness and symptoms are no longer manageable. Operations are performed to clear any blockages, repair perforations, stop bleeding or relieve an abscess in the intestines. More severe cases may call for removing the colon.

• 5

  Explore alternative therapies. Acupuncture, homeopathy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques and a vitamin regimen are holistic approaches to treating Crohn's disease with few, if any, side effects. These alternatives are employed to complement traditional treatment of the disease. Check with your physician before pursuing these methods.