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Disease Symptom Tips :: Chrones Disease
Chrones Disease: Understanding Chrones - The Disease
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Over half a million people in the United States have been diagnosed with the debilitating autoimmune disease known as Chrones disease (correctly spelled "Crohn's Disease" and sometimes referred to as CD).
Crohn's affects the function of the intestinal tract and can cause painful abdominal cramping, frequent diarrhea and sometimes ongoing or chronic constipation. For information on frequently asked questions about understanding the disease and how to live with it, keep reading.
What are the causes of Crohn's disease?
Basically, every time a healthy individual is exposed to any type of food or bacteria, the gastrointestinal tract will often become mildly inflamed. The inflammation is a normal part of digestion and in healthy people, it is turned on and off as part of the body's way of absorbing nutrients. The inflammation does not lead to infection.
In people who are susceptible to developing Chrones disease, the body can't turn that normal inflammation process off. This then causes the immune system to go into overdrive.
Unfortunately, the causes of Crohn's are unknown, but there are certain stimulants that can cause the disease to worsen or flame up. Some medical practitioners think it is bacteria, a substance in the intestinal tract or genetics.
How do doctors treat CD?
There is no definitive, known cure for Crohn's. However, patients may be able to control the disease and even live a normal life. Essentially, the idea behind most treatment is to control instances of inflammation and therefore eliminate symptoms associated with the disease.
Because CD is a lifelong condition, therapy must be ongoing and maintained to keep the disease under control.
What are the triggers for CD?
Crohn's disease can be activated by infections of the intestinal tract (a bout of food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea). Also, smoking can aggravate the disease.
For example, one study found that smokers experienced more aggressive symptoms that would often return after surgery. Other triggers include dietary factors and inflammatory drugs like ongoing use of aspirin or ibuprofen.
If I have Crohn's, how do I live a normal life?
There are numerous websites and online communities where practitioners and patients discuss different therapy options and life changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of CD. One site is ChronsandMe.com, a support site designed to offer tips, forums for discussion and medical information.
Patients are also advised to track their diet along with symptoms. By understanding what triggers episodes or periods of inflammation, they can help avoid these in the future.
Where can I go for help?
Patients who have been diagnosed with Chrones disease or suspect they may have Crohn's, should talk to their doctor. It's also recommended that they explore alternative treatment methods like ongoing consultations with a nutritionist or naturopath, who can help them identify dietary triggers.
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