Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two common forms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. These conditions are chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the intestines. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America describes therapy for IBS as various types of treatment designed to cause the disease to go into remission and reduce the incidence of further flare-ups through maintenance therapy. Drugs administered in the acute phase are highly effective but carry an associated risk for side effects, so patients usually engage in a long-term course of treatment using safer, but less potent, medications.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sulfasalazine, mesalamine and corticosteroids, are usually the first course of therapy for Crohn's and colitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sulfasalazine reduces the symptoms of colitis but may cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Do not take sulfasalazine if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. Steroids work quickly and effectively for patients in severe distress, but corticosteroids do not prevent flare-ups and are not suitable for maintenance therapy. Additionally, steroids carry the potential for serious side effects, including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, cataracts and osteoporosis.
Immune System Suppressor Therapy
Some scientists believe the immune system of a person with ulcerative colitis damages digestive tissue, so physicians prescribe immune system suppressors to reduce this destructive response. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are effective but take up to three months to start working and can cause side effects such as low blood cell count and inflammation of the liver or pancreas. Cyclosporine is potent, reserved for patients who do not respond to other treatments. Cyclosporine works quickly but increases risk for kidney damage, seizures and fatal infections.
Antibiotic Therapy
Metronidazole was once the most commonly used antibiotic in therapy for Crohn's but carries the risk for side effects such as numbness and tingling in your hands and feet and muscle pain and weakness. Ciprofloxacin is now the favored treatment for Crohn's. There is a small risk for tendon rupture when you take ciprofloxacin.
Surgical Therapy
Surgery sometimes eliminates ulcerative colitis and provides years of remission for patients suffering from Crohn's disease. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that two-thirds to three-quarters of Crohn's patients require surgery at some time in their lives. In these operations, surgeons remove diseased areas of the intestine and widen constricted areas. Surgery for ulcerative colitis sometimes involves removal of the entire colon and rectum.
Other Therapies
Other drugs relieve signs and symptoms of Crohn's and colitis, such as diarrhea, constipation and pain. Psyllium powder, a fiber supplement, firms up stool and prevents diarrhea. Stool softeners or laxatives help stool pass through swollen and constricted intestines. Take acetaminophen for pain.
