Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, involving the intestinal tract. Anywhere from the mouth to the anus can be affected; however, the most commonly affected part is the small intestine and colon. The disease is most common among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25, according to the Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America. There is no cure for Crohn's disease. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms range from mild to severe and can appear without notice. Periods of remission are also possible. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms that cause inflammation.
Drug Therapy
Several different categories of medications are used to treat Crohn's disease. Some drugs may work well for one patient, yet show no positive effects in another patient. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulfasalazine and mesalamine are the first step in treating Crohn's disease. Besides inflammation, the medications may reduce the time between attacks, reports Drugs.com. Patients suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of Crohn's disease are often prescribed corticosteroids. However, long-term use is not encouraged due to severe side effects, such as a swollen or moon face, excess facial hair and night sweats. The Mayo Clinic suggests that corticosteroid use be limited to three to four months.
Immune system suppressants are often prescribed. Instead of directly targeting the inflamed intestinal tract, the drugs focus on the body's immune response. A decreased immune response from the body includes decreased inflammation of the intestinal tract. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine, mercaptopurine and infliximab; however, a large variety of different immunosuppressant drugs are available. Each drug may work slightly differently and has different side effects that should be considered.
Surgery
Surgery is a common option if drug therapy is not working. Most people diagnosed with Crohn's disease require surgery at some point, suggests the Merck Manual. Surgery involves removing infected or severely inflamed areas of the intestine, fistulas or other intestinal blocks. Strictureplast, or the narrowing of the intestinal tract, is a common surgery performed on Crohn's disease patients. Surgery does not cure the disease, but will provide longer relief from symptoms. The Merck Manual adds that a second surgery is often required in most people. It also states that most people receiving surgery for Crohn's disease say their quality of life has improved.
Diet
Patients are encouraged to keep a food diary and record daily meals and snacks, suggest the Mayo Clinic. Some foods will increase inflammation and discomfort. The food diary helps identify what foods may be causing symptoms to occur. Crohn's disease may limit the body's absorption of fat. Fried foods, creams, butter and gravies should be avoided. Fiber-rich foods can make Crohn's disease worse. Consider eating baked or steamed fruits and vegetables instead of raw ones. Cabbage, broccoli and even popcorn are foods that may cause additional problems. Eating between five and six small meals a day is recommended over two or three large ones. Crohn's disease decreases the body's capability to absorb nutrients; patients can take a multivitamin to increase vitamins and minerals in the body.
