Ileum pain is typically caused by a type of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Treatment for this type of pain depends on the individual symptoms as well as the overall health of the patient. Some of the most common treatment methods for ileum pain include the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, dietary changes, or steroid medications. Antibiotics or medications aimed at reducing inflammation may be prescribed in some situations. In the most severe cases, ileum pain may require surgical intervention to repair damage to the intestines.
Mild cases may not require any specific medical treatment, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help to combat any discomfort caused by this symptom. If these medications do not provide sufficient pain relief, stronger pain medications may be prescribed by a doctor. Steroid medications may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation stemming from this area of the small intestine. Potential side effects of steroid medications include weight gain, insomnia, or headaches.
Aminosalicylate drugs are sometimes used to treat intestinal inflammation, which can lead to pain. Side effects of these medications may include nausea, intestinal cramping, or diarrhea. More serious side effects such as kidney or liver damage may occur in rare instances.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if the pain is associated with an intestinal infection. The infection itself is not usually responsible for the intestinal pain. Instead, diagnosis of an infectious condition is often made due to blood test results when the doctor is attempting to determine the source of the discomfort.
Dietary modifications are routinely suggested for those who suffer from ileum pain. In order to determine individual food triggers, an elimination diet may be recommended by a doctor so that the offending food can be removed from the diet. Greasy or spicy foods are common triggers for this type of discomfort. Additional food triggers may include whole grains, alcohol, or chocolate.
In the most severe cases, ileum pain may require surgical intervention. The damaged portion of the small intestine may need to be removed and the healthy ends reconnected to one another. This is considered a major surgery and typically requires a hospital stay of several days and weeks or months of recovery time following the procedure. It is important for the patient to work closely with the supervising physician to create a treatment plan based on individual needs.