IBD treatment options - Medications for inflammatory bowel disease?

To determine the treatment plan, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of IBD.

Treatment of IBD includes lifestyle and diet modification, medication therapy and, in extreme cases, surgery. The disease needs to be diagnosed and treated early so that the patient's life is largely uneventful and symptom-free.

Currently, the inflammatory response of IBD can be eliminated and kept under control in the long term with the help of available pharmacotherapy. However, the disease cannot yet be cured for life.

In some severe cases of the disease and its acute phases, surgical intervention is necessary. This is the case with the development of abscesses, stenosis or obstruction of the intestinal tract.

Medicamentous treatment

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids, aminosalicylates) and immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress the immune reaction) are indicated.

Aminosalicylates are usually given initially in CD, especially if the inflammation is localised in the colon. In mild forms, aminosalicylates may be sufficient to induce and maintain remission.

In UC, the main drugs include aminosalicylates in tablet and suppository form, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants.

In contrast to UC, corticotherapy is more often needed in CD when acute inflammation occurs. Corticosteroid treatment is intended to eliminate and suppress inflammation. However, they are not suitable for long-term use.

Some immunosuppressants are classified as drugs used to maintain a resting state.

Antibiotics are indicated in the short term, especially for septic complications, bacterial overgrowth of the intestine and other acute illnesses.

Probiotics and prebiotics are drugs and dietary supplements used to promote the balance of intestinal bacterial flora and digestive processes.

Lifestyle modification

Dietary measures consist of a regularly balanced diet, adequate drinking, good quality regular sleep and elimination of daily stress.

For associated food intolerances and allergies, adherence is also required during resting phases. Consultation with a nutritionist is recommended.

In case of recurrences of inflammation, a starch-free diet that does not burden the intestinal tract is particularly suitable. During the diet, the individual eats easily digestible foods that do not cause digestive discomfort.

A protein-free diet minimises the amount of insoluble crude fibre taken in. It increases protein intake and eliminates difficult-to-digest foods. Smaller portions of food are eaten regularly.

In this diet, not only the composition of the diet is important, but also the appropriate preparation of the food. Stewing, cooking and baking without fat are suitable. The rules of the fat-free diet must be strictly followed, especially in the acute period of the disease. Including individual intolerances (gluten, lactose...).

Example of unsuitable foods:

• fried and fatty meats
• legumes
• dairy products containing lactose
• wholemeal bread
• artificial sweeteners
• fruit and vegetable peelings and pits
• caffeine
• alcohol
• carbonated drinks
• nuts and seeds

Examples of suitable foods:

• lean meat and lean fish
• Rice
• potatoes
• pasta
• eggs
• cooked peeled vegetables
• white bread
• tofu
• potatoes and cornstarch

What is biological therapy, biological medicine? It helps where others fail