Crohn's Disease Treatment

For people with Crohn's disease, treatment may involve medications, dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation, surgery, or a combination of these. Some medications that doctors may prescribe to treat Crohn's disease include Azulfidine, Rowasa, Imuran, and Humira. There are several different surgical procedures that may be used as Crohn's disease treatment; however, surgery is not a cure for the condition.

 

An Overview of Crohn's Disease Treatment Options

There is no cure for Crohn's disease. This means that for someone with Crohn's disease, 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. These Crohn's disease treatment options include:
 
  • Medications
  • Dietary changes
  • Other lifestyle changes
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Surgery.
     
Your healthcare provider will consider a number of factors before deciding on which specific treatment or treatments make the most sense for your particular situation. Some factors he or she will consider include:
 
  • The severity of your symptoms
  • Complications you may be experiencing (see Complications of Crohn's Disease)
  • Other Crohn's treatments you have tried in the past.
     
While Crohn's 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)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD