Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's Disease Treatment in hyderabad
Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and treatments vary in effectiveness from person to person. Your healthcare provider will collaborate with you to identify the best treatment options to make living with Crohn’s more manageable.
Crohn’s Disease Medications
Treatment for Crohn’s disease typically involves medications aimed at reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response. Research indicates that addressing inflammation may improve the long-term prognosis of Crohn’s disease. You might also need treatments to manage specific symptoms such as pain and diarrhea.
Steroids: Corticosteroids and budesonide can reduce inflammation in the short term but are generally not suitable for long-term management.
Anti-inflammatory medications: 5-aminosalicylates are primarily used for ulcerative colitis and offer limited benefits for Crohn’s patients.
Immunomodulators: These medications, including azathioprine and methotrexate, alter the immune system’s function, helping to reduce immune response.
Biologics: Biologics target proteins that trigger an excessive immune response. They are administered via IV or injection and include TNF inhibitors, integrin inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors.
Small molecule advanced therapies: JAK-inhibitors, such as Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®), are oral medications approved by the FDA to reduce immune response in Crohn’s patients.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat complications such as severe infections that may result in abscesses or fistulas.
Anti Diarrhea medication: Prescription drugs like loperamide (Imodium A-D®) can alleviate severe diarrhea.
Pain management: Various therapies are available to address pain associated with Crohn’s disease.
All medications come with potential risks and benefits. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the most appropriate medications and will monitor your progress to ensure they are effective. If your treatment is not working or if you experience adverse side effects, contact your healthcare provider for adjustments.
Crohn’s Disease Complications
Severe and frequent symptoms of Crohn’s disease can increase the risk of complications. Individuals experiencing any of the following complications may require surgery:
Internal bleeding
Abscesses
Stricture: Narrowing of part of the intestine due to scar tissue buildup, causing partial or complete blockage.
Perforation: A small hole in the gut wall, which can lead to leakage, infections, and abscesses.
Fistulas: Abnormal channels forming between two parts of the gut.
Additionally, a person with Crohn’s disease may experience:
Persistent iron deficiency
Food absorption problems
A slightly higher risk of bowel cancer
Can Crohn’s Disease Be Fatal?
Although Crohn’s disease is typically not life-threatening, it can lead to fatal complications such as colorectal cancer or severe infections. Generally, the life expectancy of someone with Crohn’s disease is comparable to that of someone without the condition.
FAQ?
The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors.
Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging tests (like CT scans or MRIs), endoscopy, and biopsy.
Treatments may include medications (such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics), dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery to remove damaged portions of the intestine.