Typical Treatments for Chrohn's Disease

Chrohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD. IBD can cause an inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract and lead to complications such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and sometimes malnutrition in extreme cases. Chrohn's disease often spreads deep into the layers of your bowel tissue and can lead to severe and life-threatening complications if not treated. While there is no current cure for Chrohn's disease, treatment and therapies can lead to long-term remission and relief.

Anti-Inflammatory drugs

• The first step in treating Chrohn's disease is often an anti-inflammatory drug, such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine or corticosteroids. These medications are not meant for long-term use, but can help to improve symptoms and induce remission. Anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used for a period of three or four months.

Immune-System Suppressors

• Immune system suppressors also help to reduce inflammation, but they are different from anti-inflammatories in that they directly target your immune system. This combats the source of the problem and not just the result of the problem, although inflammation reduction also occurs. Sometimes it takes months for immunosuppressants to work. Common immunosuppressants are azathioprine, infliximab and adalimumab.

Antibiotics

• According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers believe that antibiotics can help to reduce harmful intestinal bacteria and suppress the intestine's immune system. Antibiotics can also help to heal fistulas (an abnormal connection between two parts of the body) and abscesses (a collection of pus) in patients. Common antibiotics used are metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.

Other treatments

• Other forms of medication are also used to treat the symptoms of Chrohn's disease and relieve discomfort and pain. Drugs prescribed can depend on the severity of your case. Frequently used medications are anti-diarrheals to combat diarrhea; laxatives to aid in constipation; pain relievers; iron supplements, if intestinal bleeding has occurred; vitamin B-12 shots; calcium; and vitamin D supplements. Doctors may also provide nutritional and lifestyle counseling for patients.

Surgery

• If drug therapy, diet and lifestyle changes do not relieve your Chrohn's disease symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove a damaged portion of your digestive tract, close fistulas, remove scar tissue or drain abscesses. Surgery can provide years of remission in some cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, three of four people with Chrohn's disease will need surgery.