Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing the risk of complications, such as nutritional imbalances, and addressing the inflammation that causes Crohn’s symptoms.

A doctor can prescribe medication to curb this inflammation, slow damage to the digestive system, and reduce symptoms, including secondary symptoms such as skin issues.

One drug that doctors may recommend for children with mild to moderate Crohn’s symptoms is 5-aminosalicylic acid, known as 5-ASA. Kids with more severe symptoms may require corticosteroids.

Other Crohn’s medications suitable for children and teenagers include:

• antibiotics
• immunomodulators
• biologics, such as:
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • adalimumab (Humira)

More treatment options include:

• Supplemental nutrition: A doctor may recommend liquid nutrition, vitamins, or even intravenous fluids.
• Pain medication: Some children need pain medication to manage symptoms of Crohn’s.
• Diarrhea medication: This type of medicine can help with this common Crohn’s symptom.