One of the many frustrating things about living withCrohns diseaseis that it requires lifelong care.
Ahead, experts break down the various Crohns disease medications and treatments that can make a big difference.
What is Crohns disease, exactly?
There are many effective Crohn’s disease medications that can help you feel your best.
National Library of Medicine(NLM).
(Ulcerative colitisis another common form of IBD.)
Some people often lose weight because they also feel too sick to eat enough.
What is a flare-up in Crohns disease?
However, its important to mention that flare-ups are often triggered by not taking your medication as prescribed.
What are the best Crohns disease medications?
Working with a gastroenterologist, a gastrointestinal (G.I.)
damage, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There are many Crohns disease medications to choose from, which means you have lots of options.
Now, weve turned towards an approach that takes into account how advanced the disease is.
Its worth checking in with your doctor before takinganypain reliever, even if its sold at your local drugstore.
These are commonly called steroids and are used to reduce inflammation quickly.
They work really fast and are unbelievably cheap, Dr. Higgins says.
Think of steroids like a fire extinguisher.
In fact, some steroids can start relieving symptoms within three hours of use3.
Antidiarrheals can help you have more normal bowel movements if youre constantly dealing with diarrhea.
Loperamide is one popular OTC option that helps slow down your bowel movements, per theNLM.
If needed you’ve got the option to talk to your doctor about prescription-strength antidiarrheal.
They should also give you direction on how to use antidiarrheal meds as safely as possible.
Aminosalicylates are a family of medications that help reduce inflammation in your intestines4.
These are available as pills, liquids, and suppositories.
Ultimately, this helps reduce inflammation in your digestive tract by preventing the inflammatory process in the first place.
These are most commonly taken as a pill.
Generally, biologics are the most effective treatment, Dr. Higgins says.
What is bowel rest treatment?
Bowel rest is sometimes recommended for hospitalized individuals with severe Crohns disease, Dr. Lebwohl says.
This can last for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
What should you expect from Crohns disease surgery?
Its important to note that surgery still doesntcureCrohns disease.
Can lifestyle changes help treat Crohns disease?
It might take some time and effort to find relief, but itll be worth it in the end.
In the meantime, Dr. Higgins says its important to be kind to yourself.
There are going to be good days and bad days, he says.
It helps to give a shot to accept where you are each day and know that thats okay.
