Common Medications For Crohns Disease
Sharon Dobson
Whenever possible it is always best to try and treat diseases
and disorders in a natural way. However, there are times when
medication can become necessary. Fortunately, for sufferers of
Crohn’s Disease, there are medications available that are
highly effective in limiting the severity and regularity of the
disease.
Oftentimes, the first medicines called upon in the fight
against Crohn’s Disease are anti-inflammatory drugs. This
should come as no surprise as Crohn’s manifests itself as
inflammation in the intestinal lining. There are various types
of anti-inflammatory medications available. Not every drug is
effective for every person. Some of the medications work well
for mild cases while others work better for more severe
flare-ups.
Corticosteroids are amazing when dealing with severe episodes
of Crohn’s Disease. However, since they work by lowering the
effectiveness of the immune system the effect is like taking
your goalie out in a hockey game. This is why corticosteroids
are not normally given to those with mild flare-ups. The
side-effects can be severe so medical doctors normally are
cautious when prescribing them.
Immunomodulators are not as powerful as corticosteroids, but
they work in the same fashion. However, immunomodulators do not
come with the side-effects that their close cousins bring. These
drugs are great for helping those in remission stay in that
stable state.
Since infections have been closely tied to Crohn’s Disease it
makes sense that antibiotics are often effective in the good
fight. One of the major concerns about using antibiotics is the
tendency for them to become less effective as time goes on. The
more a person uses a certain antibiotic the greater resistance
the bacteria in the body will build up a resistance to it. In
addition, using antibiotics can also destroy good bacteria that
aid the body in digestion.
Another weapon in the arsenal against Crohn’s Disease is
through the use of biologic therapy. This type of therapy is
normally reserved for the most severe flare-ups. This form of
therapy is like a nuclear bomb to the immune system – minus the
radiation. It results in a knock-out of the immune system’s
ability to produce TNF-alpha – a protein associated with
inflammation.
Surprisingly, antidepressants are also used to battle Crohn’s
Disease – but not in the way you are thinking. Antidepressants
do not battle inflammation or eliminate fistulas. Actually,
they work on beating back the psychological effects of the
disease which can be highly disconcerting. One of the worst
symptoms of Crohn’s is depression. The pain, worry, and
discomfort of the disease can often drive someone with Crohn’s
into deep depression. When depressed, people usually do not
respond as well to treatments and the immune system may also be
compromised.
There are many medications available for the treatment of
Crohn’s Disease. The best plan of action is to visit your
doctor and discuss available treatments. Remember, defeating
Crohn’s Disease is possible but it will be a lifelong cause.
About The Author: Sharon Dobson has an interest in Crohn's
Disease. For further information on Crohn's Disease please
visit
http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/crohnsdisease.html
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