Crohn's Disease Diet and Medical Treatment
Elemental Diets, Drug Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
Oct 29, 2009
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lining of the digestive system in which periods of active disease (flares) are interspersed with periods of remission. It can be difficult to diagnose and there is no cure at present. However, dietary changes and drug therapy can treat the symptoms during flares and help maintain remission.
Crohn’s Disease Diet
People with Crohn’s disease are advised to eat a well-balanced, high-fibre diet. Some people find that certain foods trigger flares of the disease; these may include dairy products, alcohol, or spicy or fatty foods. Keeping a food diary can help with identifying and then avoiding foods that cause problems. Eating several small meals each day instead of two or three large meals may also be beneficial.
Elemental diets have been used to improve severe Crohn’s disease symptoms, especially in people who are becoming malnourished. Elemental diets are liquids containing nutrients in their simplest forms – protein as amino acids, carbohydrates as glucose and fats as fatty acids – and so put little strain on the digestive system. Many people dislike living on entirely liquid diets, but in most cases they are needed for only a short time.
In those who are very ill, an elemental diet may be given through a tube placed into the stomach through the nose or a small incision in the abdomen.
People with Crohn’s disease may also need vitamin and mineral supplements depending on the individual’s particular problems. Iron deficiency is common in Crohn’s disease, and folate and vitamin B12 may be required. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are likely to be needed in people who avoid eating dairy products due to flares of the disease.
Crohn’s disease patients should always consult their doctor before taking any supplements or removing any type of food from their diet.
Medications for Crohn’s Disease
Various drugs have been used to treat Crohn’s disease and new therapies are undergoing research. The following are some of the more common medications:
- Steroids may be prescribed to control symptoms during flares. These drugs reduce the inflammation of the gut lining, but cannot be used for long periods of time because of their side-effects.
- Sulfasalazine may reduce inflammation in milder Crohn’s disease.
- Mesalazine is another anti-inflammatory agent that may be helpful in preventing flares.
- Azathioprine suppresses the immune system and can therefore reduce the immune responses that may contribute to the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Taking azathioprine may allow the patient to stop taking steroids, though azathioprine has side effects of its own.
- Immunotherapy also targets the immune system, but uses agents based on naturally occurring antibodies and other biological molecules. Infliximab is one such agent; it may be given to Crohn’s disease patients to treat flares, or regularly to prevent them.
Living with Crohn’s Disease
Most people with Crohn’s disease lead full and active lives while the disease is in remission, though flares can be debilitating. Research is ongoing to improve treatment of the condition and its complications.
References:
Hanauer SB, Sandborn W. Management of Crohn’s Disease in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96(3): 635–43.
Jewell DP. Crohn’s Disease. Medicine 2003; 31(2): 76–81.
NHS Choices. Crohn’s Disease. Accessed 29-10-09
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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