Crohns Disease Support Group Article

Inflammatory Bowel And Crohn's Disease Medications

Medical treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's is designed to achieve the relief from symptoms and to maintain it and to prevent the condition from getting worse and from the patient getting flare ups. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a serious debilitating illness.

Everyone is different and there is not set, strict regime for treatment. The first step is diagnosis which typically involves endoscopy which involves a lighted tube being inserted into the intestine. The physician may ask for x-rays and tissue examinations.

There is no standard method for treating all people with Crohn's. The symptoms and prognosis vary from person to person. Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis which usually requires endoscopic or radiologic and pathologic examinations. The successful treatment strategy uses both medical therapy, attention to detail and common sense.

If you suffer from Crohn's or another inflammatory bowel disease you are not alone. However, everyone is different and you may have more or less severe problems than others. You should consult with your physician so that you can work together to at the very least make the symptoms manageable. You should consult your physician if you are having any ill effects from the medication.

Most physicians prescribe ASA's which is a common drug treatment for the illness. Other drugs which may be prescribed include balsalazides and olsaazine which have very little side effects compared to other medications. Some patients suffer allergic reactions to these medications and most be monitored closely.

Other medications such as immunomodulators and mercaptopurin help relieve symptoms and they have a low incidence of side effects. There are other medications being used to treat the illness such as for corticosteroids and azathioprine.

Antibiotics such as metronidazone are recommended for use to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The antibiotics may reduce adverse reactions and digestive problems.

Other treatments involve biological therapy and surgery in severe cases. Scientists are investigating the use of clinical trials in the treatment of this illness.

Aminosalicylates are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the intestines. They may cause some side effects such as nausea and indigestion.

Corticosteroids also reduce inflammation. However, most generally physicians do not long term use of this medication because it can cause high blood pressure, diabetes and other serious illnesses.

Immuno-suppressants are taken to reduce the ill effects of antibodies which attack the intestinal lining. These drugs can have side effects such as pancreatitis and liver problems.

There are other medications such as anti-diarrhea medicine, laxatives, nutritional supplements and vitamin injections which may help ease the symptoms of Crohn's.

Before you consider taking any medications consult your physician even if it is an over-the-counter medication.