Crohn's Disease Treatment

Medications, dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation, surgery, or a combination of these are often used in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Medications that may be prescribed include Azulfidine, Rowasa, Imuran, and Humira. There are several different surgical procedures that may be used as well; however, surgery is not a cure for Crohn's disease.

An Overview of Crohn's Disease Treatment Options

There is no cure for Crohn's disease. This means that for someone with the condition, treatment goals are focused on:
 
  • Controlling inflammation
  • Allowing the digestive tract to heal and then preventing flare-ups
  • Relieving Crohn's disease symptoms
  • Maintaining quality of life
  • Controlling nutritional deficiencies
  • Delaying the need for surgery.
     
Depending on how serious your condition is, your doctor may recommend one or several different treatments for Crohn's disease. These treatment options include:
 
  • Medications
  • Dietary changes
  • Other lifestyle changes
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Surgery.
     
Your healthcare provider will consider a number of factors before deciding which specific treatment or treatments make the most sense for your particular situation. Some factors he or she will consider include:
 
While this disease can seriously affect your life and may require special care at times, it's rarely life-threatening. Crohn's disease treatment may help reduce your symptoms and allow you to live an active life.
 
(Crohn's Disease Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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