What is Crohn's Disease and available Treatments

Crohn's disease is a disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract.
The disease can affect any area of the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the
mouth to the anus. The lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, is
most often affected.

Inflammatory bowel disease is the general name for diseases that cause swelling
in the intestines. Crohn's disease if an inflammatory bowel disease. Crohns'
disease can occur in people of all ages, but is more often diagnosed in people
between the ages of 20 and 30.

There are many theories about the causes of Crohn's disease, none of which are
proven. The human immune system is made from cells and different proteins that
protect people from infection. It may be an immune response. There is some
research that indicates that Crohn's may have a genetic link.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding,
weight loss, arthritis, skin problems and fever. The bleeding may be serious and
persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's disease may suffer form
delayed development and stunted growth.

A thorough physical exam and medical tests may be required to diagnose Crohn's
disease. Medical tests may include: blood tests, stools samples, Upper GI series
with barium and X-rays and visual exams such as sigmoidoscopty or colonoscopy
and biopsy.

There are many possible complications of the disease. The most common
complication of Crohns disease is blockage of the intestine as the disease
thickens the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue. There may also be
sores, ulcers, fistulas and fissures in the intestinal lining. Deficiencies of
nutrients may occur due to intestinal loss of protein, poor absorption or
malabsorption. Deficiencies of proteins, calories and vitamins are well
documented. Additional complications include arthritis, skin problems,
inflammation of the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones or diseases of the
liver and biliary systems.

After diagnosing Crohn's disease, doctors can determine the best treatment
options for an individual Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements,
surgery or a combination of these options. Treatment goals are to control
inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies and relieve unpleasant symptoms.
Treatment can help to control the disease, but there is no known cure.

Treatment options include drug therapy, nutrition supplements and surgery.

Drug therapy includes anti-inflammation drugs, cortisone or steroids, immune
system suppressors, Infliximab (Remicade), antibiotics and anti-diarrheal and
fluid replacements Most people are first treated with drugs containing
mesalimine, which helps control inflammation. Steroids and cortisone can provide
effective results. Prednisone is a common generic same for the drugs in this
group of medications. While effective, corticosteroids can cause serious side
effect, such as bone thinning and greater susceptibility to infection. Immune
system suppressors block the immune reaction that contribute to inflammation.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Additional medication and electrolyte replacement may be needed to treat
dehydration caused by diarrhea.

The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements to replace lost nutrition. High
calories liquid formulas may be used for this purpose. Some patients may need to
be fed intravenously for a brief time, to rest the intestines.

Surgery becomes necessary in a large percentage of patients when medications can
no longer control symptoms. Surgery to remove part of the intestine can help
people with Crohn's disease, but is not a cure.

It is very important for people with Crohn's disease to follow a nutritious diet
and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. Crohn's disease is associated
with diarrhea and poor absorption of necessary nutrients. No special diet has
been proven effective for the prevention and treatment of Crohn's disease.

There is no indication that stress causes Crohn's disease. However, people
suffering from Crohn's disease sometimes feel increased stress as a result of
having the disease. Some patients experience a flare of disease when under a
stressful event or situation. For people who feel that there is a relationship
between stress and symptoms, relaxations techniques, such as slow breathing and
getting enough sleep may help them feel better.

The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a
medical condition, consult a physician.