Doctors turn first and foremost to medicine to combat Crohn’s. Since each case is different, doctors often design regimens and combinations that are unique to the patient’s situation. These regimens often change over time, as the body adapts and responds, but all seek to reduce inflammation. There are many classes of drugs used to treat Crohn’s. Steroids stop flare-ups and prevent new ones by damping down inflammation, but can raise blood pressure and have other side effects. Newer prescription options include aminosalicylates, antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologics. All help, yet ultimately a majority of people with Crohn’s disease undergo surgery.

• Antibiotics knock back bacterial overgrowths that rev up your immune system and increase inflammation.
• Drugs called immunomodulators can help you reduce dependence on steroids; they also heal fistulas—tunnels through the intestinal wall.
• In one study, people who took the biologic Remicade and avoided trigger foods got two times more improvement than those taking the drug alone.
• Experts now recommend earlier surgery for Crohn’s to head off complications and relapses. In one study, it improved quality of life dramatically.
• Tired of steroids? Ask your doctor how to taper off. Stopping abruptly can cause pain, diarrhea, muscle aches—and even set off a flare-up.

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