Crohn’s disease medication
Patients with severe symptoms or who have had extensive surgery may need a special high-calorie liquid formula, either as a nutritional supplement or as a replacement for normal meals.
Again, such supplements should be prescribed by a doctor. In unusual cases, an elemental diet—a low-fat, easy-to-digest formula—may be prescribed. Unfortunately, such formulas often have an unpleasant taste, but if the patient is unable to drink it, it can be given through a feeding tube (known as enreral nutrition).
The most severe cases of Crohn’s disease may require total parenteral’ nutrition (TPN), in which all nutrients are given intravenously. TPN is most beneficial for patients who need to rest their intestinal tract so it can heal or who are unable to absorb enough nourishment from their regular diets. This approach is also beneficial in treating a child whose growth is being stunted by inadequate nutrition. Because it can be administered at home, TPN allows for a more normal lifestyle. +
