How to Manage Crohns Disease
Crohn's Disease (also called ileitis or enteritis) is a disorder causing inflammation in any area of the digestive or GI tract but primarily affecting the small intestine resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. While there is no cure for Crohn's disease, you can learn to manage the symptoms. Follow these steps to manage Crohn's Disease.
Instructions
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Managing Crohn's Disease
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Your doctor will most likely prescribe medicine for you depending on your various symptoms. Common drugs include anti-inflammation drugs, cortisone or steroids, immune system suppressors, Infliximab, antibiotics and anti-diarrheal plus fluid replacements.
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Your doctor may recommend nutritional supplementation in the form of intravenous fluids. This will happen when you need extra nutrition or when your intestines need to rest.
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Two thirds of those people with Crohn's Disease will need surgery at some point in their lives. Surgery can be used to relieve symptoms or remove part of the intestine. Many people tend to have more than one surgery as inflammation can return to the intestine next to where the diseased intestine was removed.
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A crucial component of managing the disease may be developing a specialized diet with your doctor. The diet will take into account which part of your digestive tract is affected as well as the specifics of your disease. Some of the problem causing foods include spicy foods, dairy products plus foods high in fiber or fat. Dehydration is also common among people with Crohn's Disease so you must drink plenty of fluids year round.
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Finally, the key to managing Crohn's Disease is find a doctor or gastroentologist who you can be honest with and will really take an interest in you. This doctor is someone who you will most likely have a lifetime relationship with so choose wisely.
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Tips & Warnings
You may want to consider keeping a food diary so that you can determine if there are any specific foods that cause flare-ups of the disease.
Many experts suggest reducing the stress in your life to help keep flare up to a minimum.
Consider creating a support system or interacting with others who have Crohn's Disease. Even sharing information with your family may help them to better understand what you are going through.
Learn as much as you can about managing Crohn's Disease.
Symptoms can flare up at any time, any where so sticking with your medicine regimen is critical.
If you feel dehydrated and cannot get enough liquid into your body, you may need to go to the emergency room for IV fluids.
Smoking can make Crohn's Disease worse.
Resources
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