New treatments for Crohn’s disease can help you manage the symptoms
One of the most unpleasant autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease mostly affects adolescents and young adults between ages 15 and 35. Those who have missed out on school dances, graduation, college parties and everyday events due to this disease are searching for new treatment options. Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, treatment is available to reduce symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea. Effective treatments range from lifestyle changes to medications or even surgery in severe cases. Although everybody is different, there are basic facts and tips that can help everyone with Crohn’s.
Do
- pay attention to your diet
- exercise
- be open with family and friends
- talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options
- drink fluids (particularly water)
Don't
- drink alcohol
- smoke cigarettes
- ignore your “cold episodes”
- stress
- give up hope regarding new treatments
Do pay attention to your diet
Be in tune with your diet. Although there is no defined eating regimen for Crohn’s disease, there are specific foods that could aggravate symptoms. Track what you eat, see if you notice patterns, and eliminate the foods that seem to aggravate your symptoms.
Do exercise
Although it may seem like the last thing you want to do, exercise is very important to maintaining your overall health. Some studies have shown that it can help alleviate symptoms. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Do be open with family and friends
Hiding your condition from your loved ones can only make for more stress in your life. It is not an easy topic to broach, but talking with friends and family will help them understand what you are going through and how they can help.
Do talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options
If your current course of treatment isn’t working, it’s worth sitting down with your doctor and discussing potential alternatives. There might very well be one or more alternative medications that could result in a better outcome.
Do drink fluids (particularly water)
Diarrhea, a common symptom of Crohn's disease, is also a common cause of dehydration. Dehydration causes symptoms that range from mild, such as dry skin and headaches, to severe, such as low blood pressure, rapid heart rates and unconsciousness. Drinking non-alcoholic fluids, particularly water, will decrease your risk of becoming dehydrated.
Do not drink alcohol
Alcohol can stimulate your intestines and make symptoms worse. If you are taking medication, alcohol can worsen some side effects. It is best to drink water.
Do not smoke cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor of Crohn's disease, and may contribute to further bowel irritation. Quitting cigarette smoking will not only decrease your risk factor for Crohn's disease, but quitting can also contribute to improving your overall health.
Do not ignore your “cold episodes”
Many times Crohn's patients feel colder than others and patients can feel uncomfortable voicing their discomfort to those around them. These episodes of feeling cold can be a side effect of medication, or the onset of a fever. You can personalize your temperature control with a warm blanket or a heating pad, and by taking a hot bath. Heating pads and hot baths can also help soothe stomach pains and joint aches. Be sure to also inform your doctor about the frequency with which you experience these episodes.
Do not stress
While stress does not cause Crohn’s disease, it can make your symptoms worse or could trigger a flare-up. Since it is difficult to control the amount or intensity of stress you encounter, it is helpful to learn how to deal with it. Know what activities are de-stressors, whether they include going for a walk or doing breathing exercises, and implement them in your daily routine.
Do not give up hope regarding new treatments
One promising approach to Crohn’s is a treatment involving Trichuris suis ova (TSO)—pig whipworm eggs. Studies have shown that once TSO has been swallowed by a patient, the eggs take up residence in the gut and regulate the immune system in a way that can reduce a range of symptoms, including those exhibited by Crohn’s patients. This approach is currently being pursued in clinical trials by Coronado Biosciences.
Summary
There are many autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases—including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, autism and psoriasis—whose symptoms researchers think could be addressed using TSO. There is hope for getting treatment and alternative approaches are becoming more realistic for people looking for relief. Remember to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and keep up with doctor visits to ensure you are getting the highest level of care.
