(NAPSA)—Every year, some 70,000 Americans are diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such ay as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They're characterized by ongoing inflammationin theintestine and symptomsinclude: + persistentdiarrhea + abdominal pain or cramps + rectal bleeding + fever and weightloss + fatigue + joint, skin oreyeirritations + delayed growth in children. ‘There's no known cure butthere are treatments. Medical treatmenthas three Whenyou're an active memberof yourhealth care team,you and your ‘A. Achieving remission (the absence doctor can come up with the best main goals: of symptoms) treatmentstrategyfor you. tion of symptomsorflare-ups) biotic treatment. If an IBD patient has B. Maintaining remission (preven- C. Improving quality of life. To accomplish these, treatment is aimed at controlling the inflammation and your doctor will work with you to find the right medications for you. Managing Crohn’disease andulcerative colitis surgery, antibiotics will likely be used afterward. They can betaken orally or through an intravenousinfusion. 5. Biologic therapies (also known as biologics) are proteins that block specific molecules in the body that involves dedication to taking your medi- cause inflammation. These medications are for people with moderate to severe asa team toward the goalofremission. to other types of medications, or for cationsas prescribed and open communication with your doctor so you can work active IBD whohave notrespondedwell IBD medications generally fall into five categories: 1. Aminosalicylates limit inflam- mationin the digestive (or gastrointes- tinal) tract. They can bepills, liquids or suppositories. 2. Corticosteroids work by lowering the activity of your immunesystem and limiting inflammation. They're mostly used for short-term treatments as they reduce inflammation in a few days to a few monthsbuthave a high potential of side effects. Corticosteroidscan be taken orally,rectally orinjected. 3. Immunomodulators are often used. as a long-term treatment to calm your immunesystem overtime. Since it may take several months before their effect is seen, immunomodulators are often started at the sametimeasfaster-acting corticosteroids with the idea that you'll stop taking steroids once the immunomodulators take effect. These medications can be injectedortakenin pill form. 4. Antibiotics are used to treat the infections that arise unexpectedly or for IBD patients who encounter certain complications including abscesses (pockets of pus) andfistulas, which are abnormal connections of the intestine to other parts of the body. Clostridium difficile (or C. diff) is a common bac- terial infection that also requires anti- those at high risk of complications. Biologics can be delivered through injection or takenintravenously. It's Important To Take Medications AsPrescribed Living with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis can be challenging as you face symptomsand cope with the effects on yourdaily living. You should know, however, that you have a major role in keeping your symptoms and inflammation under control. Medications work best when taken consistently and as prescribed. That can help prevent complications such as surgery, hospitalization, flare-ups, andrisk of cancer due to uncontrolled inflammation. Sometimes, a medication may not seem to be working, or new symptoms or complications mayarise. Whatworks at onestage of yourdisease may not workatanother. If you experience symptoms while on treatment, tell your doctor. Discuss otheravailable options,their benefits and risks. To help, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation offers online tools that explain the pros, cons andtrade-offs of varioustreatments. Learn More Forfurther information, call Crohn's & Colitis Foundation’s IBD Help Center at 888-MY-GUT-PAIN (888-694-8872) orvisit www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
