Treat It
Many new Crohn's disease (CD) treatments are currently being researched and developed. While there is not yet a cure, great strides are being made to help minimize symptoms. In fact, a new treatment for CD has just been made available.
Below are the most current treatment options to discuss with your doctor.
Treatments
The goal of CD treatment is to suppress the inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that causes CD symptoms.
There are currently five categories of drugs commonly used in clinical practice to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These include:
There are currently five categories of drugs commonly used in clinical practice to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These include:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) which work to control inflammation
- Corticosteroids which are utilized to reduce inflammation, but are not suggested for long-term use
- Antibiotics which are believed to work by reducing intestinal bacteria and by suppressing the intestine's immune system
- Immunomodulators which are used to reduce/control inflammation, to help decrease corticosteroid dosage, and to help heal fistulas
- Biologics therapies which are engineered to act selectively to restore balance of the inflammatory system without significantly disturbing other important immune functions.
When you visit the doctor, remember to bring a list of all the medications you are taking. By giving your doctor all the information you can, you help him or her to recommend the best treatment for you.
Biologics
In 1998, the first biologics for CD treatment, called anti-TNFs, were introduced to the market. These biologic treatments focus on blocking TNF-alpha, the protein involved in triggering inflammation and leading to painful, inconvenient CD symptoms. For some patients, Anti-TNFs have been shown to be effective at relieving CD symptoms.
There is a new anti-TNF biologic treatment that works to target and block TNF-alpha.
Ask your doctor if biologics are the right treatment option for you.
Surgery
Currently, many people being treated for CD may require surgery at some point.
Surgery for CD typically involves removing a particularly diseased section of bowel and then reconnecting the intestines; People who have this surgery will usually go into remission for a long time, but eventually more surgery may be required.
The hope for the future of CD treatments is that they will decrease and even eliminate this need for surgery.
