Treatment
Treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases is targeted at reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms such as pain and diarrhea, controlling and healing damage where possible, identifying and addressing complications, and supplementing any nutritional shortages. Since the course of an IBD is usually one of flare-up followed by remission, the needs of someone with an IBD will vary from person to person and may change over time.
Patients with UC or CD will need to be regularly monitored and should work with their doctors to become educated about their condition. While lifestyle changes, such as diet modification, rest, and stress reduction may help improve a patient’s quality of life and extend a remission, they cannot prevent an IBD flare-up. Acute symptoms are treated with a variety of medications. These drugs are effective but many can only be given for short periods of time because of their side effects. Current therapies include the use of corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, immune suppressive drugs, and antibiotics. One or more surgeries may also eventually be necessary to remove damaged tissue, to treat fistulas, and to relieve obstructions.
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