According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, approximately 780,000 people in the United States are living with Crohn's Disease, and many may benefit from innovative treatment options like infusions.
Smart Infusion is a leading provider of infusion therapy for Crohn's Disease in Wisconsin. Our expert team is dedicated to offering personalized care solutions designed to manage your symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing Crohn's for years, we can help create a tailored infusion plan that suits your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the next step in your health journey.
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Read on to learn more about when it might be the right time to consider infusion therapy for Crohn's Disease.
Understanding Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. This condition can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and can cause a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and more.
The exact cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract. While there is no known cure for Crohn's Disease, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Types of Treatment for Crohn's Disease
Treatment for Crohn's Disease typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Some common medications used to treat Crohn's Disease include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids and aminosalicylates to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Immune system suppressors like azathioprine and methotrexate, which work by suppressing the body's immune response.
- Biologics, which are genetically engineered proteins that target specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation. These medications are typically given through infusion therapy.
- Other medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and nutritional supplements may also be used to manage symptoms.
It's important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific case of Crohn's Disease. In some cases, a combination of different treatments may be necessary for effective symptom management.
Infusion Therapy for Crohn's Disease
Infusion therapy is a type of treatment where medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This allows for more targeted and efficient delivery of medication to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
For Crohn's Disease, Smart Infusion offers the following:
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Entyvio (vedolizumab)
- Skyrizi IV (risankizumab)
- Stelara SQ and Stelara IV (ustekinumab)
These medications work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that contribute to inflammation. By blocking these proteins, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life for patients with moderate to severe Crohn's Disease.
When is the Right Time to Consider Infusion Therapy?
Every patient's experience with Crohn's Disease is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when it may be time to start infusion therapy. However, there are some signs that you may benefit from this type of treatment:
Sign #1: Inadequate Response to Other Treatments
If you have been trying various medications and lifestyle changes without seeing significant improvement in your symptoms, it may be time to consider infusion therapy. Infusion therapy can provide a more targeted and direct delivery of medication, which may be more effective for managing moderate to severe symptoms.
Sign #2: Frequent Flares or Hospitalizations
If you find yourself having frequent flare-ups of Crohn's Disease that require hospitalization or interfere with your daily life, infusion therapy may be a viable option. These medications work to suppress inflammation, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of flares.
Sign #3: Moderate to Severe Symptoms
For patients with moderate to severe Crohn's Disease, symptoms can greatly impact their quality of life. If your symptoms are significantly impacting your ability to work, attend school, or enjoy regular activities, infusion therapy may be able to provide relief and improve your overall well-being.
Sign #4: Side Effects from Other Treatments
Some medications used to treat Crohn's Disease can cause side effects, such as increased risk of infection, liver damage, or mood changes. If you are experiencing severe side effects from other treatments, infusion therapy may be a safer and more effective option for managing your symptoms.
Enhance Your Crohn's Management with Smart Infusion
Infusion therapy can offer relief when other treatments fall short, especially for those with moderate to severe Crohn's Disease. Smart Infusion provides expert care and personalized treatment plans to help manage your symptoms effectively.
Reach out to Smart Infusion to schedule an appointment today and discover how our tailored infusion services can support your journey to better health.