Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications.

Common Symptoms

                     Persistent Diarrhea

                     Abdominal Pain and Cramping

                     Fatigue

                     Unintended Weight Loss

                     Rectal Bleeding

                     Reduced Appetite                  

Causes and Risk Factors

           While the exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unclear, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Individuals with a family history of IBD, a compromised immune system, or certain lifestyle factors may be at a higher risk.

Common Treatments

      Medications:

• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Amino salicylates, azathioprine, mercaptopurine

• Immune System Suppressors: methotrexate

• Corticosteroids: hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, prednisone

• Biologics: ustekinumab (Stelara, Wezlana), vedolizumab (Entyvio), infliximab (Remicade, Avsola, Inflectra, Renflexis, Zymfentra) , adalimumab (Humira, Abrilada, Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hadlima, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Yuflyma, Yusimry), certilozumab pegol (Cimza)

• Compounding options:

  1.     Explore the efficacy of topical tacrolimus as a non-surgical solution for managing perianal Crohn’s disease and ulcerative proctitis, often within a short span of one to four weeks of therapy. Consider PCCA Formula #11933, a rectal gel compounded with tacrolimus in MucoLox and VersaBase® Gel, as a potential treatment for fissures linked to perianal Crohn’s disease. Benefit from MucoLox to enhance the proximity and contact time of tacrolimus with the mucosa, providing a promising therapeutic option for patients. 

  2.     Another alternative option for treating inflammatory-induced ulcerative proctitis with PCCA Formula #11373, a rectal enema featuring tacrolimus in MucoLox. Unlike standard treatments such as topical aminosalicylates, oral aminosalicylates, or topical steroids, this mucoadhesive formula offers a promising solution for cases resistant to conventional therapies. Elevate the likelihood of increased contact time with the mucosa for enhanced effectiveness. 

  Nutritional Therapy:

• Specialized diets, pre-biotics, probiotics, or nutritional supplements to address nutrient deficiencies.

       Lifestyle Changes:

• Dietary modifications

• Stress management

• Regular exercise

      Surgery:

• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the digestive tract.

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