Crohn's Medication:
Pharmacological Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease |
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There are many types of Crohn's medication available for the treatment of the insidious and potentially devastating Crohn's Disease. Crohn's medication include short term and long term options. Your doctor will be able to determine which medication is best for you, based on a number of factors. The stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis is one important factor. The severity of the symptoms is another factor. Finally, how you and your condition have reacted to previous treatment options plays a role.
A popular short term Crohn's medication for treatment of the inflammation is steroids. Steroids fight inflammation, so their use may help to soothe the inflamed tissue. However, steroids are not a good option for long term use. If used long term, steroids are known to cause diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and glaucoma. Therefore, if your Crohn's Disease is serious and chronic, your doctor may opt to use a different form of Crohn's medication.
For long term treatment your physician may choose to treat your condition with an immunomodulating drug. Immunomodulating drugs adjust and control the immune system. This type of drug is employed based on the theory that in Crohn's Disease the immune system mistakenly identifies your body’s own tissue as being a foreign body, and attacks it. Immunomodulating drugs alter this defense reaction. These medicines include methotrexate or azathioprine and the latest edition, Infliximab (Remicade).
Another form of Crohn's medication that is used for long term treatment are salycicates, which may be administered in the forms of sulfasalazine, mesalamine, olsalazine, or balsalazide. Salycicates are used to treat inflammation and fever. Fevers are a potential symptom of Crohn's Disease. Aspirin is an over-the-counter salycicate. Salycicates are not a cure for Crohn's Disease, but may help to alleviate symptoms for as long as they are taken.
If your Crohn's Disease resists treatment with other forms of Crohn's medication, your doctor may prescribe a drug called infliximab. Alternatively, you may decide to try homeopathic, natural treatments such as herbs. A naturopathic specialist will be able to help you determine the herbs and supplements that will best help your specific symptoms.
Some drugs used in the treatment of Crohn's include licorice root and ginseng. There are vitamin and supplemental complexes formulated specifically for the treatment of Crohn's Disease. Always consult with your physician before trying any such natural treatments.
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