DIAGNOSIS
- Physician may do/request:
- History & Physical Exam
- Colonoscopy
- Visualisation of the colon using a thin lighted tube. A sample or biopsy of the lining of the colon may also be taken during the procedure
- Blood tests
- For signs of infection or inflammation
- Stool sample
- Test for blood, infection, and white blood cells.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
- Medical treatment is usually the management of this disease with the goals of:
- Control or prevention of inflammation in the intestines
- Relief of symptoms
- Promote healing of damaged tissues
- Keeping the disease in remission and preventing it from flaring up
- Postpone or prevent the need for surgery.
- Mild to moderate disease
- Treatment usually begins with aminosalicylates to decrease inflammation in the intestines and aid it putting the disease in remission and may also keep the disease from becoming active again.
- Steroids to decrease inflammation may be added if symptoms continue.
- Severe cases:
- Medicines that suppress the immune system
- Cyclosporine
- Biologics
- Intravenous (IV) corticosteroids
For pregnant or breast-feeding mothers
Consult your doctor on which medications will be safe to use as some medicines may be harmful to your baby.