Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive system. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and can lead to various symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. While there is no effective cure available for Crohn’s disease, different treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the severity of the condition.
Here we have discussed different types of Crohn’s disease treatments, including their benefits and limitations, so you will be able to make an informed decision about which one might be best for you. Let’s dive into it.
1. Medications
The first line of treatment for Crohn’s disease is typically medication. There are various types of medications that are commonly used to treat Crohn’s disease, including:
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as mesalamine and sulfasalazine, help reduce the inflammation in the digestive tract caused by Crohn’s disease. These medications are often used to treat mild to moderate symptoms and can be taken orally or rectally.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are often used to treat more severe cases of Crohn’s disease. These medications work quickly to reduce inflammation but can have side effects, such as weight gain and an increased risk of infection. Corticosteroids are usually taken orally and used to manage Crohn’s disease symptoms for short periods.
4. Immune system suppressors
Immune system suppressors, such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, are medications that work by suppressing the immune system, which can help reduce inflammation. These medications are often combined with other treatments and can take several weeks or months to become effective.
5. Biologic therapies
Biologic therapies, such as infliximab and adalimumab, are medications that work by targeting specific proteins involved in inflammation. These medications are given by injection or infusion and are often used in combination with other treatments.
6. Surgery
Medication may sometimes not be enough to control Crohn’s disease symptoms. In these cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged portion of the digestive tract and to help prevent future complications. Some of the most common types of surgery used to treat Crohn’s disease include:
7. Resection
A resection is a type of Crohn’s disease treatment that removes the damaged portion of the digestive tract and reconnects the healthy sections. This surgery is often used to treat Crohn’s disease, which affects the small intestine or colon.
8. Strictureplasty
A strictureplasty is a type of surgery that widens the narrowed digestive tract sections caused by Crohn’s disease. This type of surgery can help improve symptoms and prevent future complications.
9. Colectomy
A colectomy is a type of surgery that removes the entire colon. This type of surgery is typically used to treat severe cases of Crohn’s disease that affect the colon and are not responding to other treatments.
10. Diet and lifestyle changes
In addition to medications and surgery, there are also several dietary and lifestyle changes that can help manage Crohn’s disease symptoms. You can adopt habits like working out and following a Crohn’s disease diet if your condition is not severe and you think it can be treated without getting any medical treatment.
Notably, eating a balanced diet high in fiber and low in fat is an effective Crohn’s disease treatment for reducing its symptoms and improving overall health. It’s essential to avoid foods that trigger symptoms, such as dairy products, spicy foods, and high-fat foods.
