Crohn's and colitis treatment

Medicines

• aminosalicylates, such as mesalazine, mainly for ulcerative colitis
• steroids, such as prednisolone or budesonide, to settle a flare. They are not used long term
• immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine or methotrexate, to keep IBD calm
• biological medicines, such as infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab or ustekinumab, given as injections or drips
• newer tablets, such as JAK inhibitors, for some people

You will have regular blood tests with some of these medicines, and should keep up with vaccines.

Diet

Some children and adults with Crohn's disease are treated with a liquid diet (exclusive enteral nutrition) for a few weeks. A dietitian can help if you are losing weight or avoiding foods.

Surgery

Some people need surgery to remove damaged parts of the bowel. This may involve a stoma, where the bowel is brought out through the tummy and poo collects in a bag. A stoma can be temporary or permanent.

Your IBD team

You should have access to an IBD nurse or advice line for help during a flare. People with colitis or Crohn's in the colon have regular colonoscopies to check for bowel cancer.