Why Some Crohn’s Disease Patients Require Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy is an innovative treatment method that involves administering medication directly into a patient’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive process. Infusion therapy is crucial in the fight against various cancer types because it is used to administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncology treatments. While infusion therapy is most notable for its role in cancer treatment, it also is an effective approach to treating a wide range of other medical conditions, including Crohn’s disease.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) provides comprehensive care for cancer and blood disorders throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. However, RCCA’s 20+ community-based care centers also provide infusions for a wide variety of non-cancerous conditions, with its highly experienced infusion nurses and other staff members administering medications prescribed by neurologists, rheumatologists, and others, with an RCCA physician on site during infusions. Those infusions include delivery of medications prescribed by gastroenterologists to treat Crohn’s disease. Here, we explain what Crohn’s disease is and when infusion therapy can be an effective treatment method.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD is common, and an estimated 3.1 million adults in the United States (roughly 1.3% of the adult population) have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease. The condition affects men and women equally. Although there is a known genetic component associated with an increased risk of IBD, the exact causes of Crohn’s disease are still being researched.
Complications from Crohn’s disease can be debilitating and potentially life-threatening. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the rectum. Most commonly, the condition affects the end of the small bowel (ileum) and the beginning of the colon. Inflammation can spread into the deeper layers of the bowel.
Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Diagnosing Crohn’s disease based on symptoms alone has proved to be difficult. Often, the disease goes undiagnosed for years. This is because symptoms usually develop over time. In some cases, symptoms will come on suddenly, without warning. There also may also be times when patients show no signs or symptoms.
When the disease is active, symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common signs of Crohn’s disease include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Severe diarrhea lasting more than two weeks
- Blood in stool
- Mouth sores
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
Treating Crohn’s Disease With Infusion Therapy
While there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, therapies and other treatment methods can help reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. Treatment for Crohn’s disease typically includes medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
When it comes to Crohn’s disease, there is no universal treatment that works for every patient. Infusion therapy is used to treat Crohn’s disease when other treatment options do not provide adequate relief or improvement. Infusions of monoclonal antibody drugs, corticosteroids, and other medications can help greatly reduce the debilitating manifestations of Crohn’s disease. The decision to employ infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease is made by a healthcare provider, typically a gastroenterologist, and the patient.
Infusion therapy can be administered in a variety of ways depending on the patient’s condition. When treating Crohn’s disease, the most common infusion method is intravenous (IV) infusion. Medication is delivered into the veins and travels into the bloodstream for maximum effectiveness.
What to Expect During Infusion Therapy
Most patients feel little to no discomfort as an infusion is administered. During the appointment, the patient will be seated while receiving the infusion. Patients can occupy themselves with a book or by listening to music to pass the time or to help alleviate any anxieties they may have. The duration of the infusion appointment depends on the patient’s condition and how much medication must be infused.
Throughout the appointment, patients will be monitored by trained healthcare professionals. Nurses will make sure the medication is administered appropriately and will periodically check in on patients to see how they feel. Once the infusion is complete, patients will be given explicit instructions regarding proper care for the injection site to help bruising or prevent infection.
Seek Outstanding Treatment for Crohn’s Disease
Dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced treatments, Regional Cancer Care Associates offers infusion therapy to address symptoms of various cancers and blood disorders, as well as for chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Many patients with Crohn’s disease prefer infusion therapy as an alternative to oral medications because of the speed, convenience, and efficacy of the treatment.
For more information about the infusion therapy services offered by our specialists in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, or to learn if you or a loved one would be a good candidate for the treatment, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates or schedule a visit to one of our more than 20 locations today.