Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tracts, primarily the lower portion of the small intestines known as the ileum. Crohn's disease is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system in which innate cells, prostaglandins and antibodies are produced against foreign antigens and food particles in the small intestine. This constant immune response results in chronic inflammation, swelling, ulcerations, pain and bowel injury. Mesalamine, sulfasalazine and corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory or antihistamine drugs often prescribed as the first line of treatment in controlling the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine is anti inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of active Crohn's disease and the symptoms associated with the disease, notes Merck.com. Sulfasalazine exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity on the colon and small intestines by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that induce inflammation and pain, thereby their inhibiting helps to relieve the symptoms associated with the chronic inflammation of the intestines.
Mesalamine
Mesalamine is a 5-aminosalicylate medication prescribed for the treatment of active Crohn's disease, notes Uptodate.com. Mesalamine exhibits anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity in the digestive tracts. Mesalamine inhibits the production of chemicals such as prostagalandins that iniate inflammation and subsequently, the swelling and pain commonly associated with Crohn's disease. By inhibiting the production of prostagalandins, the inflammation, bowel injury and ulcerations associated with Crohn's disease is relieved as well.
Corticosteriods
Corticosteroids are steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands and are also responsible for controlling the body's inflammatory response. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone are prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severely active Crohn's disease. These drugs suppress the entire immune response thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response due to the excess production of antibodies, prostaglandins and innate immune cells.
