Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the digestive tract. This can lead to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, malnutrition, and weight loss. Inflammation caused as a result of Crohn’s disease can often spread to the deeper layers of the bowel, causing more complications.
The condition can be both debilitating and painful and can lead to life-threatening complications, as well. While there is no known cure for the disease, there are several remedies that can help ease the symptoms and even bring about remission. With the right treatment, people who are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease can function well. Below, we’ve put together a list of the common remedies for Crohn’s disease.
Medication
Drugs are usually the first treatment for Crohn’s. The medicines can help lower the body’s inflammatory responses and stifle symptoms, thus giving the intestines time to rest. Medicines that are commonly prescribed include corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and aminosalicylates, among others.
Bowel Rest
Doctors may advise bowel rest if the symptoms are severe. During this period, people with Crohn’s are advised to only drink clear liquids or get nourishment through a feeding tube or IV. This treatment is continued for several days or weeks.
Diet
Crohn’s isn’t usually caused due to particular foods. But symptoms like diarrhea and appetite loss can keep one from getting the required nutrients. Some foods can also aggravate symptoms or even trigger flare-ups. Given this, doctors often prescribe diet changes, which include cutting out lactose, sugar, intense spices, and fat. Many people with Crohn’s find bland, soft foods to work for them. In addition, the following diet changes could help:
– Eating six small meals every day instead of three large ones.
– Drinking plenty of water.
– Cooking using simple methods, like poaching, steaming, or boiling.
– Stocking the pantry with the right foods.
Surgery
When other treatments don’t work, people with Crohn’s may need surgery. The common types of surgery that are recommended include strictureplasty, bowel resection, colectomy, or proctocolectomy. Fistula removal may be done if meds don’t heal the ulcers.
While these are the common remedies for Crohn’s disease, doctors will determine a treatment plan based on what kind of complications one has, how bad the symptoms are, how one has responded to medication in the past, and the possible side effects of different medications, among other things. Healthcare providers may recommend any one of the above treatment options or a combination of them.
