Crohn's Disease

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Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder characterized by severe inflammation leading t ulceration of the interior of the intestines. It most often affects the lower part of the small intestine, but it can involve the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects the top two layers of tissue lining the intestines, the ulceration in Crohn's disease involves all four layers of the intestinal wall. When affected areas heal, scar tissue often narrows the passageway. In some cases, the bowel becomes partially or completely obstructed. When as area closes, one or more fistulas - abnormal passageways - may develop that join one part of the intestine to another, or even to another organ.

Symptoms produced by Crohn's disease include cramps, abdominal and stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, rectal bleeding, a lack of energy, and an overall feeling of tiredness. Recurrent bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Fever, chills, and loss of appetite, with accompanying weight loss, are common. An ability to absorb fatty acids may result in steatorrhea (pale, bulky stools that float).

The onset of the disease typically occurs between the mid-teens and age thirty. Attacks may occur every few months or every few years. In about 25 percent of cases, symptoms appear once or twice, and never return. If the disease becomes chronic, however, bowel function deteriorates markedly. Ulcerated intestinal walls may leak, and peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the entire abdominal cavity) becomes a possibility. The absorption of nutrients is compromised and malnutrition can result. Deficiencies of vitamin C and E are common. Left untreated, Crohn's disease can become life threatening in some cases.

Once rare, Crohn's disease is becoming more and more common. There are about twice as many cases today as there were thirty years ago, and as many as 500,000 cases are diagnosed annually. This disorder is four times more common in Caucasians and Jews than in people of other races and ethnic markers have been identified, it does tend to run in families. Statistics show that 20 to 40 percent of people with this disorder have relatives who also have either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Although the cause of the disease has not been established, free-radical damage is believed to play a part. In addition, it has been noted that food allergies are more common in those with the disease than in the general population. People with Crohn's disease who adopt allergen-free diets often experience remission, but the disease returns if they go back to their usual diets. Crohn's disease is diagnosed by means of an x-ray of the digestive tract, usually aided by a barium enema and barium "milkshake". The x-ray is used to track the movement of the barium through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing the doctor to determine what parts of the tract are affected. An endoscopic examination may also be necessary. An endoscopic is a tubular device with a light on the end that allows the doctor to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract directly to view the nature and extent of the problem.

General recommendations for Crohn's disease
Make sure you have a bowel movement every day.

In you suffer from diarrhea, make certain to take supplements supplying both the major minerals and trace minerals. Fatigue is often caused by chronic sodium-potassium imbalance. You may find that supplementing your diet with potassium lifts your mood as well as your energy level.

Try to avoid stress. Stress worsens an attack. Consider learning biofeedback or yoga or meditation. These disciplines can help immeasurably. When you are in the midst of an acute attack, rest and relax as much as possible.

Avoid all medications possible.

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