How to Treat Crohn's Disease With Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system from the esophagus to the rectum. While the cause is not clearly defined, it is treated as an autoimmune disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat the painful inflammation that arises during an active Crohn's flareup. It is important to see a physician specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases if you suspect the presence of Crohn's disease.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Medication

Instructions

Acquire Knowledge About Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

1. Consider sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) to be a drug of choice to treat Crohn's disease if you are not allergic to sulfa medications. Side effects such as nausea, headache and heartburn prohibit some patients from taking sulfasalazine.

2. Discuss the use of mesalamine (Asacol or Rowasa) to treat Crohn's disease. Mesalamine has fewer side effects than sulfasalazine, and can be taken as a tablet by mouth or rectally as an enema.

3. Educate yourself about the use of corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation present with Crohn's disease. Since there are many side effects such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cataracts and insomnia, corticosteroids are usually prescribed only for moderate to severe disease that is unresponsive to other treatments.

4. Anticipate corticosteroids to be used in conjunction with some type of immune-system suppressor for the most effective results. The two types of drugs work together, as the corticosteroids induce remission and the immune-system suppressors work to maintain remission of Crohn's disease.

5. Ask about the latest corticosteroids available such as budesonide (Entocort EC) which is promoted as having fewer side effects than conventional steroids. It is reported as more effective when Crohn's disease is located in the lower small intestine.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take a trial-and-error approach to find the anti-inflammatory drugs that work best for you. Each person has a unique response to treatment regimens. Just because a drug works for someone else doesn't mean it will be the best for you.

• Drink plenty of water while taking anti-inflammatory medication.

• Anti-inflammatory medications are known to cause ulcers. It is imperative that you report any changes such as a dark stool, sudden severe abdominal pain, excessive bloating or vomiting blood.

• Use anti-inflammatory drugs with caution and only under the direction of your healthcare provider. Even over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause stomach upset and irritation.

• Reduce your risk for stomach distress while taking anti-inflammatory drugs by reducing or eliminating alcohol intake and cigarette smoking.