April 18, 2008

Health Tip: Controlling Crohn's Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea.

While there is no cure, a combination of medication, nutritional supplements and surgery can help control symptoms.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers this list of treatment options:

• Most people with Crohn's are initially treated with mesalamine, a substance that helps control inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Other medications are available if mesalamine doesn't prove effective or cannot be tolerated, including Remicade (infliximab) or a class of drugs called corticosteroids.
• Medications that suppress the immune system.
• Fluid replacement treatments and anti-diarrhea medications.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.
• Nutritional supplements.
• Surgery may well be required to alleviate blockages, or treat other complications including intestinal perforations, abscesses or bleeding.

-- Diana Kohnle

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