Crohn's Disease Treatment Case:
Why Completing Treatment Is Crucial
Beyond symptom relief, toward the complete normalization of calprotectin levels
A Patient's Story in Their 20s
Hello. We are HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic, where we have been researching and treating Crohn's disease since 2007. This patient had suffered from long-term abdominal pain and indigestion due to Crohn's disease that began when they were in middle school.
At the time of their visit in December 2024, despite taking Western medication, their condition was unstable, with abdominal pain levels spiking to 3-4 (severe pain) depending on daily stress and food intake.
Key Symptoms at Time of Visit
- Test Results: Fecal calprotectin 3333, CRP 4.4mg/dL
- Key Symptoms: Chronic abdominal pain (navel area), gurgling sounds in the abdomen, diarrhea, and tenesmus
- Digestive State: Reduced appetite (0.7 portions), indigestion and nausea under stress
Treatment Progress and Changes in Metrics
This is the treatment record that combined improvement of upper digestive function with the elimination of intestinal inflammation.
Start of Treatment and Initial Improvement
After one month of herbal medicine treatment, food intake increased to 1 full portion, and chronic abdominal pain and stress-induced digestive issues significantly improved.
Reduction in Inflammation and the Importance of Medication Compliance
There was a period where progress stalled slightly due to inconsistent intake of herbal medicine. This case confirms how crucial regular medication adherence is to the speed of recovery.
Complete Normalization of Metrics
After consistent management, fecal calprotectin levels dropped below 3.8, reaching not just clinical remission but complete normalization.
Closing
For Crohn's disease, you must not stop treatment just because symptoms have improved. Managing it until inflammation levels are perfectly normalized is the key to preventing recurrence. Although it is a pity we could not share final greetings despite the successful treatment, I sincerely wish the patient a healthy future.
For Inquiry, please contact HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic.