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Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s
disease is a mysterious disorder that profoundly affects the digestive
system. There is no cure for the disease and treatment is marginal at
best. The objective for treatment as it is right now is to control
inflammation in the bowls, relieve the discomfort associated with the
disease and to assure that the individual gets adequate
nutrition.
The first treatment most people who have Crohn’s disease are
drugs containing 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA). These drugs help control
inflammation in the intestines. The drugs containing the
5-aminosalicyaltes have been found to be more effective than the drug
traditionally used to treat Crohn’s disease, Sulfasalazine
(azulfidine). The drugs containing the 5-ASA component require higher
doses but they have fewer side effects.
The most effective drugs for active Crohn’s disease are
corticosteroids such as prednisone. These drugs can control
inflammation as well. Although drugs like prednisone are effective for
active Crohn’s disease, they are not very effective for
maintaining an individual in remission.
These drugs also have serious negative side effects. People who take
these drugs are more prone to infection. They may gain weight and have
increased blood sugar levels. These drugs can also cause thinning of
the bones, elevated blood pressure, and have an adverse effect on the
individual’s personality. Both corticosteroids and 5-ASAs are
not approved for Crohn's disease in particular.
Antibiotics such as Flagyl (metronidazole) are often prescribed to
combat many kinds of bacteria. These antibiotics are prescribed even
though they are not designed for Crohn’s disease. However,
they have proven to be effective in the treatment of the symptoms of
the disorder. Antidiarrheal drugs like Lomotil (diphenoxylate) and
Imodium (loperamide) have been effective in relieving cramps and
diarrhea associated with the disease.
Many Crohn's disease patients have to get surgery to rid themselves of
the chronic symptoms of the disease that can not be treated with
medication. During surgery, the bowel is cut right above the diseased
region and right below the diseased region then reconnected. However,
Crohn’s disease often returns after surgery so it is crucial
to consider all of the ramifications associated with surgery. This
should only be used as a last resort.
Remission from Crohn’s disease is a welcomed relief for those
who suffer from the disease. Many have relief for months or even years.
Nevertheless, the disease is apt to reappear without warning. This
mysterious condition continues to baffle the medical community. The
source and the cure remain unidentified.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
