Crohn's Disease Explained
Crohn’s is a disease that has only very
recently been understood, yet its incidence is increasing all the time.
In 2010 an estimated 35,000 people died of the chronic affliction, and
around 3.2 of every 1000 people are affected throughout Europe and North
America: that is about 33 million sufferers. It is therefore vitally
important that you get to know the warning signs of this disease. This
useful guide will answer all of your questions. Note: This informative
article is not a substitute for the advice of a medical profession. If
you suspect you may be suffering from Crohn’s and have experienced at
least one of the listed symptoms, you must contact and see your doctor
immediately.
Crohn's Disease
Explained
Dr. Burrill B. Crohn (1884-1983) was a remarkable Jewish-American doctor
who practiced until aged 90, during which time he accurately described
the disease ‘regional ileitis’ (or ‘regional enteritis’), which, against
his will, has since become known as ‘Crohn’s Disease’.
Crohn’s is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract anywhere from the mouth, esophagus, stomach,
small/large intestines to the anal region. Though the most common
location is the final part of the small intestine (ileum) or the first
portion of the colon or large intestine (cecum).
Typically, inflammation (redness) from a
recent injury results when your immune system responds by attempting to
eradicate bacteria and viruses from a wound. When this task is complete
the immune system ‘switches off’. If this occurs in the GI but the
immune system fails to ‘switch off’ inflammation grows and creates
ulcers. Ulcers can also lead to an abscess outside the gastrointestinal
tract.
Anyone at any age can suffer, though in children it is much rarer. It is
also considered relatively rare in Asian people, yet more common in
Jewish people originating from Eastern Europe.
Symptoms
There are two categories of symptoms. The
first pertain to the inflammation and ulcers in the GI. Sufferers
commonly experience:
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody and frequent)
- Crampy abdominal pains
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Rectal bleeding
- Fatigue
- Anal tags/ulcers
The second category of symptoms pertain to problems beyond the GI, such
as:
- Joint pain
- Liver inflammation
- Osteoporosis
- Skin problems
- Eye problems
- Mouth ulcers
- Anemia
Causes
The cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown. Though there are three
risk factors which medical professionals have determined.
1 - Genetic disposition: Some genes have been said to cause the disease,
but no one gene in particular.
2 - Environmental factors: Bacteria in our environment or diet may cause
the initial inflammations that cause the immune system to overreact.
Smoking is also considered such a cause.
3 - Dysregulated immune system: Either the immune system is unrestrained
and cannot stop, or it’s weak and cannot react effectively.
Diagnoses
Blood Test: A blood test can determine
whether you have Crohn’s by assessing the quantity of your red and white
blood cells. A high white blood cell count and a low red blood cell
count (anemia) are associated with Crohn’s.
Colonoscopy: To find evidence of ulcers or inflammation of the GI,
doctors will use a colonoscopy. This is a test that enables the doctor
to inspect the inner lining of the large intestine, using a thin and
flexible tube.
CT scan: To find out whether Crohn’s has spread into an abscess they
will take a CT scan. Formerly known as a CAT scan this is an X-ray
procedure that combines many images with a computer to create a
cross-sectional view of the body, including 3-D images of internal
organs.
Cures and Treatments
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, thus it is known as a chronic
illness (from chronos - Greek for time, indicating that the disease
persists). However modern treatment is excellent, allowing patients to
lead a normal life, with only a slightly reduced age expectancy.
Although surgery might be necessary in severe cases to remove affected
areas of the intestines, doctors will always prescribe a permanent
course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory tablets, which will control
the majority of symptoms. However, the disease can occasionally flare up
again, upon which patients must consult their doctor.
Prevention
Crohn's can happen to anyone at any time, therefore it is imperative
that we take preventative steps to prepare our bodies.
1 - Quit smoking: Since smoking is seen as a potential cause of Crohn’s,
it is important to start yourself on the path to quitting cigarettes.
2 - Avoid Viruses: You should also be aware of the best virus
protections you can utilize, such as flu inoculations and good basic
hygiene.
3 - Avoid unprescribed medicine: Do not use antibiotics unless they have
been prescribed to you.
4 - Eat and live healthily; and make sure you get regular exercise.
5 - Bonus: Curiously, some of the more unusual preventatives for Crohn’s
include açai berries and even tequila!
Foods Crohn's Sufferers Must Avoid
If you do suffer from Crohn’s you will have to watch what you eat –
avoiding all of these 10 food items.
Crohn's Disease
1. Nuts – Crohn’s sufferers can’t masticate raw nuts enough to reap
their benefits
2. Vegetable and fruit skins – Their raw peel or skin is too hard to
digest
3. Popcorn – Although a whole grain, popcorn is the very hardest to
digest
Crohn's Disease
4. Fried food – Its greasiness makes it very hard to digest
5. Cured meat – Crohn’s sufferers need protein, yet cured fatty meat
lacks protein and its high fat content aggravates diarrhea.
6. Seeds – Foods with seeds such as strawberries are a no-no, because
the seeds can’t be digested easily.
7. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are very destructive for Crohn’s sufferers, due
to their seeds, skin and acidity.
8. Coffee, chocolate, caffeine – Anything that contains caffeine is
considered too dangerous for Crohn’s patients.
9. Alcohol – To avoid a flare up it is best to avoid alcohol.
10. Dairy – Cow’s milk and common cheeses are to be avoided since
Crohn’s sufferers can be lactose intolerant. Yet aged, hard cheeses
contain less lactose so can be used more often. Soy or almond milk
should be considered as alternatives to cow’s milk.