How does Flagyl help Crohn's disease?

[fromthegut]

Hi freinds,

I have recently had gastorintestinal poblems. I think it was ( is a flu bug ?? I was diagnosed in 2004 with crohns but have thoguht to be doing well !!
I'm takign penicillan and flagyl for an abscess tooth. I had never heard of flagyl except on here a while ago while reading !! How does it help one with Crohns or Colitis ??

 

[nogutsnoglory]

From the Mayo clinic:

"Antibiotics can reduce the amount of drainage and sometimes heal fistulas and abscesses in people with Crohn's disease. Researchers also believe antibiotics help reduce harmful intestinal bacteria and suppress the intestine's immune system, which can trigger symptoms. However, there's no strong evidence that antibiotics are effective for Crohn's disease. Frequently prescribed antibiotics include:

Metronidazole (Flagyl). Once the most commonly used antibiotic for Crohn's disease, metronidazole can cause serious side effects, including numbness and tingling in your hands and feet and, occasionally, muscle pain or weakness. If these effects occur, stop the medication and call your doctor."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs