Management of Crohn's disease

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Management of Crohn's disease involves first treating the acute symptoms of the disease, then maintaining remission. Since Crohn's can affect the digestive system at any point from the mouth to the anus, it can cause a wide variety of symptoms including: abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss. Severe cases can cause chronic pain, bowel obstructions, and malnutrition.

Initial treatment[edit | edit source]

Initial treatment of Crohn's disease involves the use of medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly used, as are immunomodulators such as azathioprine. In severe cases, biologic therapy may be used. This can include drugs such as infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab pegol.

Maintenance therapy[edit | edit source]

Once the acute symptoms have been treated, the goal is to maintain remission. This typically involves the continued use of medications, as well as lifestyle changes. Dietary modifications can be helpful, as can smoking cessation. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can also contribute to maintaining remission.

Surgery[edit | edit source]

In some cases, when medication and lifestyle changes are not enough to manage the symptoms of Crohn's, surgery may be necessary. This can involve removing a portion of the digestive tract, or creating a stoma for waste to bypass an inflamed area.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Crohn's disease can lead to a number of complications, including intestinal obstruction, fistulas, and malnutrition. It can also increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Management of Crohn's disease Resources

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