Q During a Crohn's flare my abdominal pain and diarrhea are severe. Can herbal medicine help even with acute worsening?
A During acute worsening, conventional treatment (steroids, etc.) takes priority, and Korean medicine treatment shows greater strength in stabilization and relapse prevention after the acute phase. In some cases it is combined for supportive relief, so decide after consulting your doctor.
Detailed Answer
During a Crohn's flare, intestinal inflammation must be controlled quickly, so conventional treatment such as steroids or biologic agents becomes the mainstay. Using herbal medicine alone carelessly during this period is not advisable. After the acute phase passes and symptoms are somewhat controlled, the safe sequence is to begin Korean medicine supplementary treatment for mucosal recovery and relapse prevention.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Strengthening the intestinal mucosa with heat-clearing damp-resolving and qi-blood tonifying prescriptions during remission helps lower the intensity and frequency of the next flare. If you are in an acute phase, please see a gastroenterologist first and then visit us.
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