Crohns Disease And Treatment Options


by Sharon Dobson - Date: 2007-04-03 - Word Count: 513 Share This!

Most people who are diagnosed with Crohn's disease will find out between the ages of 15 and 25. It is less common, but older adults can be diagnosed as well. The problem with Crohn's is that it is often found only after a process of elimination. This chronic condition is different for everyone, and there can be long periods of remission for many patients. When the condition flares up, however, many patients need to know about Crohn s disease and treatment options. There are times when things will settle down on their own, but more commonly intervention is required.

The symptoms of Crohn's can come and go. There are times when you might have to take medications. These medications are often aimed reducing the inflammation along the digestive tract that occurs with Crohn's.

When the inflammation is under control, many of the symptoms can be greatly reduced. If an infection were to occur, antibiotics are given to help get rid of it. Sometimes other medications can help, and there may be times when the doctor will ask a patient to take vitamin supplements when nutritional intake and absorption is impaired.

There are specific treatment options that help when diarrhea and cramping is present. A patient might not be getting what they need because the intestines are not absorbing nutrition from foods. There are some that believe there are foods that make the symptoms of Crohn's worse, and by getting these foods out of the diet the patient can feel better. Because nutritional deficiencies are very common for people with Crohn's, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor first before you start removing foods from your diet. They may want to give you supplements to make up for what you might be losing.

There are times when the treatment needed is surgical. A doctor will try to avoid surgery by treating a patient with medications and recommending lifestyle alterations, but that is not always going to be enough.

When fissures form in the intestines, there can be bleeding from the rectum. That might requires surgery. Fistulas can form when there is an abscess in the intestine. These are tunnel-like openings that go out into the body to attach to other organs or other parts of the body. These can spread infection, and many times an operation is required to close them and repair the damage caused.

Make sure you weigh all of your options when you are talking to your doctor about your Crohn s disease and treatment. There are other routes you can try that might help in the long run such as stress relief and some herbal remedies.

Open communication is very important, and it is also a great idea to feel totally comfortable with your doctor. You want to have the freedom to ask questions, and to discuss your crohn s disease and treatments that might be best for you in your particular case. It's also important to have a doctor to refer to during periods of remission. If you receive adequate care while in remission, you can help lengthen the time between flare-ups.


Related Tags: crohns disease, crohns, crohns treatment, crohns symptom, crohn s disease treatment, fistula, ileitis

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