Drugs Suppress the Immune System & Antibiotic for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease and the Immune System

Although the exact cause of the disease is unclear, its origins appear to have something to do with the body's immune system. Either the immune system reacts too aggressively to an infection, or mistakes the intestinal contents (both food products and naturally-occurring intestinal bacteria) as a threat. The immune system floods the area with white blood cells, resulting in painful inflammation.

Certain drugs suppress the immune system, which in turn reduces inflammation and provides pain relief. While low doses of immunosuppressant are often administered for Crohn's Disease, some risks are involved. Because the immune system is suppressed, the chances of serious infection are higher than normal. This, and other possible side effects, must be balanced against the pain relief they provide.