HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Medication Necessary To Manage Crohns Disease?

default
Posted on Sat, 7 Nov 2015
Question: is it ok, or good to not take medication for crohns? I mean if they just have stomach pain sometimes, and generally have normal bowels, she has gained about 100 lbs in a couple years, stress, anxiety issues. Its there a more natural treatment, like taking probiotics, digestive enzymes, losing weight and working out, along with healthier diet. Maybe even the ketogenic diet or paleo, or even mediterranean.
Like is chorines dangerous, or is it just inconvenience. her dr. is older, and he wants to start her on Pendasa. not generic. Do you recommend a second opinion in XXXXXXX , we live in Kennewick Wa.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Needs Management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. if the doctor has confirmed crohn's disease the i am afraid your daughter will need more than probiotics and digestive enzymes, as it is an inflammatory bowel disease so it will need immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory medications. Pentasa is one of them. There are many other options like rovasa, delzicol, asacol, imuran, purinethol, remicade, humira, cimzia etc.

Apart from that, antidiarrheal, iron, folates, vitamin B 12 and calcium vitamin D supplementation is mandatory. Meanwhile, limiting dairy intake, eating small frequent meals, limiting fiber if it bothers,avoiding other spicy foods, alcohol, coffee etc and drinking plenty of fluids etc is necessary for bowel habits.

Talk to a dietitian and a gastroenterologist and let them devise a complete management plan.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and her and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (14 minutes later)
so what happens if she takes nothing. can this be fatal disease. how long does one stay on this med,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Lifelong, no cure, only management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

if it is crohn's disease i am afraid there is no cure, only management like 90 % of all the diseases, she will have to be on lifelong medications with of course dose readjustments and regular follow ups. Not taking any medication will worsen the life and daily living and yes it may decrease lifespan if compliance and treatment is denied. But thanks to modern inadvertent therapies , odds of that are less likely.

talk to your doctor and let them decide what is best for her.

Regards
Khan



Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Medication Necessary To Manage Crohns Disease?

Brief Answer: Needs Management Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. if the doctor has confirmed crohn's disease the i am afraid your daughter will need more than probiotics and digestive enzymes, as it is an inflammatory bowel disease so it will need immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory medications. Pentasa is one of them. There are many other options like rovasa, delzicol, asacol, imuran, purinethol, remicade, humira, cimzia etc. Apart from that, antidiarrheal, iron, folates, vitamin B 12 and calcium vitamin D supplementation is mandatory. Meanwhile, limiting dairy intake, eating small frequent meals, limiting fiber if it bothers,avoiding other spicy foods, alcohol, coffee etc and drinking plenty of fluids etc is necessary for bowel habits. Talk to a dietitian and a gastroenterologist and let them devise a complete management plan. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and her and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan