Crohn’s Disease
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IRREGULAR BOWEL INFLAMMATION
Crohn’s disease consists of a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can affect the ileum, the bowel and the anal region. Most of the time, it is in the end of the small intestine. It is part of the inflammatory diseases of the intestine as is the case of the ulcerative colitis. Crohn generally affects people less than 30 years old. However, in the last fifty years we have seen a rise in this disease.
In the 1930s Dr. B. Crohn of New York gave a precise description on this disease. We do not know with certainty what causes Crohn’s disease. It is believed that it may be a virus or a bacteria in the digestive system that causes it. Nutrition and stress also add to the disease. It is not believed to be hereditary.
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis do not affect necessarily the same areas. While this last one characterizes itself by continuous inflammation of the bowel, Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract. It is difficult to diagnose with certainty this inflammatory disease of the intestine for the symptoms vary a lot from one person to another.
A person with Crohn’s disease can feel comparatively well for several months, and then have many difficulties: bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation and other various symptoms. It has also been found that people with Crohn’s disease are in a minimal risk for colon cancer. The literature shows that many people with intestinal inflammations have ulcerative colitis, a disease that differs little in its diagnosis from Crohn’s disease. Some people aged 50 and more who suffer from an intestinal inflammatory disease should have a regular follow-up from a health care professional. It would be crucial to see a doctor in order to be tested through colonoscopy or another method. It has been shown that quick detection lowers the rate of mortality due to colon or rectal cancer, for men as well as for women aged between 50 and 75. Many medical research files state that colon and rectal cancers are amongst the most frequent deadly cancers, right after prostate cancer.
Prevention
The people that control it the best are the ones who follow their treatment to the letter and who have a good diet. Certain foods increase the irritation while others can be eaten without consequences. There`s a specific diet to each individual. We cannot be certain of what causes the disease, however we agree that the following factors can worsen the disease: smoking, pollution, too much sugar or fat in the diet, not enough fruit and vegetables in the diet, stress, etc.
Crohn’s disease treatments
The inflammation and pain can be reduced with treatments. The most frequently used drugs as treatment against Crohn disease are: anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, prednisone and related medication such as Remicade and Humira that also reduces inflammation and pain. It is difficult to determine the appropriate treatments because of the many changes in the symptoms of the disease. After several years of research the cause of the disease remains unknown. We are still waiting for new treatment methods of Crohn’s disease. Some treatments can help where lack of proper nutrition is an issue.
It is possible to remove a part of the digestive tract but surgery is not always necessary. However, if the condition worsens this may become necessary, although it doesn`t always cure completely. It is known that the disease can affect many any part of the digestive tract, the mouth to the anus. Those with Crohn’s disease should also learn to relax.
