Prevention of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder that may affect any portion of the GI tract and can cause long-term problems if prevention measures are not taken. Common symptoms of this disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting. In order to avoid the complications and deal with the pain associated with this disease, there are several things you may do in order to prevent Crohn’s disease from affecting your health.

Prevention via Diagnosis

The symptoms of Crohn’s are both uncomfortable and painful left untreated. Left alone, Crohn’s disease may lead to complications of the gastrointestinal tract, skin rashes, anemia and even inflammation of the eye. For these reasons, Crohn’s disease needs to be spotted early, in order to prevent these problems from manifesting and to save you from potentially long-term difficulties.

There are several signs to help you know whether you should get help in diagnosing your case of Crohn’s disease. Has somebody in your family had complications beforehand? Crohn’s and some other digestive disorders may be genetic in nature. If you have been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss or frequent vomiting, then chances are you have some digestive issues and you may have Crohn’s disease. To prevent this disease from progressing further, visit your Los Angeles physician to undergo the appropriate diagnosis.  Further complications may be prevented upon an early diagnosis.

Prevention Using Medication

Anti-inflammatories and anti-diuretic drugs are effective forms of medication for treating and preventing Crohn’s disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs work by reducing inflammation of the GI tract in order to lessen the pain and discomfort brought about by inflammation. Some common anti-inflammatories are aceclofenac, piroxicam, celecoxib, naproxen, fenoprofen and tiaprofenic acid. Reduced inflammation does not only reduce discomfort, but lessens the rate at which further complication may occur.

Since diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, anti-diuretic medications are often prescribed as well. This is done in order to prevent further diarrhea, which in turn prevents malnutrition and weight loss. Anti-diuretics also help control your body’s water balance through lessening the frequency by which you have to urinate.

A physician may also prescribe other medication in order to alleviate other symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as aspirins for fever and sleeping pills for patients who find it difficult to sleep through stomach pain. Managing these signs and symptoms lowers the chances that Crohn’s disease will get worse.

Prevention Measures to Keep in Mind

Going to the doctor for regular check-ups is the best way to prevent Crohn’s disease. Visit your physician whenever possible, to make sure that you and your GI tract are in optimum condition. Your doctor may also help spot tell-tale signs of Crohn’s disease that may be treated earlier to prevent further complications.

There are other preventative measures for patients with Crohn’s disease. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is one of these methods. Eating food items low in fiber may help, as fiber may irritate already inflamed walls of the intestines. Avoid consuming stimulants such as caffeine and lactose-containing food to prevent anything from triggering your sensitive GI tract. Food products that help maintain a healthy level of intestinal flora, like apples, pureed vegetables, and bananas could be valuable additions to your diet.

Aside from a healthy diet, regular exercise may also help prevent complications of Crohn’s disease as well. Try activities such as yoga, breathing exercises and meditation. Not only will these exercises keep your body in peak form, but they may help reduce stress as well, which is a trigger of inflammation in Crohn’s disease. It is overall a good plan to keep yourself healthy by not smoking, following a proper diet and doing regular exercise. And remember, go to your doctor whenever you feel something is not right.