If something feels very wrong, you should go to the hospital. Many of these medications, such as immunosuppressants and biologics, may need to be taken for several months or years, even during periods of remission. This could mean you need a higher dose or a different type of medication. Lastly, medications can have their own side effects. A doctor will help a person monitor their symptoms and offer advice on treatment and management, as needed.
Symptoms also change over time and depend on the severity and location of the inflammation. A person may not have all of these symptoms, but symptoms may increase or worsen, especially if left untreated. In some cases, a person may need surgery to repair or remove a damaged section of the GI tract.
Some people required surgery more than once. Taking supplements can help replace these nutrients. This risk starts after 8—10 years of having the disease and also depends on the severity of inflammation in the colon.
Drug treatments include :. Types of surgery may include :. Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and vitamin supplements, can also help with symptoms. A person should take these in addition to prescription medication. A person is often less able to absorb nutrients from their food and drink. These factors include the interaction of three things:.
Your symptoms and frequency of flares could be different from another person with the disease. Because of this, treatments are tailored to the particular symptoms and severity of any given individual at any given time. Therapies include immunosuppressives, steroids, and biologics. Current research is looking at new treatment options. These include manipulating the gut bacteria with antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and diet.
Fecal microbiota transplants are also being explored. Preliminary studies have shown promise for ulcerative colitis, another inflammatory bowel disease. Most treatments are aimed at controlling the different parts of the immune system that lead to increased inflammation and debilitating symptoms, says William Katkov, M. Surgery is used when medication is not enough to keep the disease under control. The disease and scar tissue can lead to bowel obstructions and other complications.
Surgery is often only a temporary solution. Because of this, the disease can take a toll on even the strongest person. Diet is a major issue in inflammatory bowel disease IBD , and patients have been telling doctors for years that certain foods trigger their flares. Indeed, a study published in September in BMC Gastroenterology found a correlation between eating pro- inflammatory foods — dairy products and spicy food — and an increase in disease activity.
Breaking bad habits will increase your sense of control and ultimately add up to a healthier you. Start by ditching these unhealthy habits. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , foods high in fiber , fat, dairy products, and carbonated beverages such as soda can trigger a flare-up.
Spicy food is another culprit, Dr. Butnariu says.
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