Probiotics Used to Treat Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and an autoimmune disorder. While researchers do not yet have a full understanding of the underlying causes of Crohn's disease, recent research, as reviewed by Reiff and Kelly, has found evidence of disturbances to the native intestinal bacteria that may be helped through treatment with probiotics.
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Symptoms
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The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that the primary symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal cramping, fever, fatigue, and persistent diarrhea.
Probiotics Definition
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Probiotics are "good" bacteria similar to those found naturally your body. Probiotics can be found in oral supplements and in some yogurts and juices.
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Probiotics Rationale
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Recent laboratory research, as reviewed by Vavricka and Rogler, has found genetic changes related to Crohn's disease that decrease the immune system's response to bacteria and allow bacteria to "leak" into tissues where they should not be. Probiotics may help to fight off harmful bacteria that the immune system cannot.
Clinical Research
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While laboratory research has demonstrated why probiotics may be a useful treatment for Crohn's disease, the UMMC states that the results of clinical studies on probiotics and Crohn's disease have been mixed and more studies are needed.
Other Treatments
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The primary treatments for Crohn's disease include anti-inflammatory and immune suppressant medications and dietary changes. Physicians may also recommend surgery.
Prognosis
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Many people with Crohn's disease are able to control it through medication and diet; however, the UMMC reports that within 10 years of diagnosis, 71% of patients will need surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine.
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References
- "International Journal of Medical Microbiology;" Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gut Bacteria and Probiotic Therapy; C. Reiff and D. Kelly; Sept. 30, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- "Swiss Medicine Weekly;" New Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Crohn's Disease; S.R. Vavricka and G. Rogler; Sept. 19, 2009
