Crohn’s disease affects more than half a million people in the U.S. The autoimmune condition impacts the digestive system, triggering inflammation which can lead to intestinal distress and a host of other challenging symptoms. To control the disease’s affects, patients often have to explore various treatment options. One promising therapy to consider is stem cell treatment.
The Challenges of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by flare-ups and periods of remission. During flare-ups, tissue within the digestive tract becomes inflamed and can develop ulcers. The condition can appear any time during a person’s life, but usually develops during the teenage years or early twenties. There is no single cause behind the disease, though it is a result of an unnatural immune response within the body.
Crohn’s disease symptoms can vary from one person to the next in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity but commonly include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pains
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
Stem Cell Therapy for Crohn’s Disease
Depending on the severity of their condition, patients may be advised to try various treatments for their Crohn’s disease. While there is no cure, the following treatments may help to control flare-ups and symptoms:
- Medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. Generally, these are only used if patients don’t respond to other treatments and for short periods of time. Immune system suppressors may also be used, though they pose the risk for serious side effects such as liver inflammation.
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating bland foods and limiting fiber intake.
- Surgery, which is used to address bowel obstructions or fissures.
In addition to these conventional treatments, stem cell therapy is also emerging as a new, regenerative medicine therapy. Research suggests the treatment is an alternative option that may help reduce symptoms while delaying or avoiding the need for surgery and bypassing the pitfalls of traditional medication.
Stem cells can transform into the cells needed to perform healing. They can restore tissue wherever they are injected, potentially minimizing symptoms and discomfort for Crohn’s disease patients. Moreover, they can be extracted from the patient themselves via adipose (fat) or bone marrow tissue. While results may vary from one person to the next, existing research shows promising results which could extend to new patient populations.
If you’re interested in exploring stem cell therapy, contact a Care Coordinator for a free assessment!
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at https://www.stemedix.com. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
