Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn’s disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine.
Crohns Disease treatment is a life-long commitment, as this chronic condition is marked by flare-ups and remission periods that sufferers will unfortunately be forced to deal with until the day a cure is finally found. Seemingly out of nowhere you have to start considering medications, dietary changes, dealing with Crohns Disease symptoms, and possibly one or more stays in a hospital. All of that works together with the general stress of life to affect the course of your disease.
Crohn’s Disease Diet
If you want to cure Crohn’s Disease, adopt the right diet. This diet will not include sugar, junk food, sodas, or grains of any kind. Even fruit juice will be found in limited amounts because of its high-sugar content. The right diet will include healthy doses of probiotics.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
The first Crohn’s disease symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, inability to eat, weight loss, and fatigue. The abdominal pain is somewhat like that experienced by an individual with appendicitis (see appendicitis entry). An ongoing symptom of Crohn’s disease may be malnutrition. Inflammation caused by the disorder interferes with the absorption of nutrients in foods and a patient may slowly become more and more malnourished.
Crohn’s Disease Treatment
The main Crohn’s disease treatment is medicine to stop the inflammation in the intestine and medicine to prevent flare-ups and keep you in remission. A few people have severe, persistent symptoms or complications that may require a stronger medicine, a combination of medicines, or surgery. The type of symptoms you have and how bad they are will determine the treatment you need.
Biologic therapy is used to treat patients with severe Crohn’s disease that does not respond to any other types of medication. Infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) are approved for Crohn’s disease. They belong to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, which help block an immune system chemical that promotes inflammation. Infliximab is also approved for patients with fistulous disease. Other related drugs are being studied.