Health Tip: Understanding Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers to form along the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe; some severe cases may require surgery.
Here's more information about Crohn's disease, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Symptoms often include stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloody stools.
* Additional signs may include fatigue, nausea and joint pain.
* For mild forms, antibiotics and drugs called salicylates may help. Steroids are generally prescribed for people with more severe disease.
* Crohn's cannot be cured, but many people who are treated have no symptoms for long periods.
Health Tip: Controlling Crohn's Disease
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.
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