How is IBD treated?
If you or a family member is diagnosed as having IBD, both medical and surgical treatment options should be explained. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and enable the intestines to absorb adequate nutrients. Medications. While there is no medical cure for IBD, several medications – including sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics – are used to reduce inflammation of the bowel tissue, permitting healing of the bowel and relief of symptoms. As inflammation subsides and symptoms resolve, a person with IBD may enter a period of remission that can last from weeks to years. Promising new drugs are often being evaluated in clinical trials conducted at certain medical centers. Nutrition. Many patients with IBD need specialized nutritional care. Without it, some risk becoming malnourished because they may be unable to absorb sufficient nutrients from their food. Total parenteral nutrition or hyperalimentation, which supply nutrients intravenously, can
