What Exactly Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition where areas of the digestive tract become inflamed. Unlike other similar conditions, symptoms of Crohn’s can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, not just the bowels. Most symptoms of Crohn’s occur in the ileum, which is the lower part of the small intestine. These problems can also lead to ulcers, blockages from scar tissue, and even intestine death. While the symptoms of Crohn’s may go into remission, the disease has no cure.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease usually appear suddenly and don’t disappear unless they’re treated. While treatment can send the disease into remission, symptoms can reappear, especially if you stop your treatment. To stay healthy, you need to continue traditional medicine and alternative treatments.
People suffering from Crohn’s generally experience some of the following symptoms:
* Abdominal pain, usually on the lower right side.
* Diarrhea. It may contain blood, pus or mucous.
* Fever. This could be low and sustained, or high and peak during worse flair ups.
* Other symptoms such as: dry, itchy eyes, skin lesions or rashes, weight loss, lack of appetite, or joint pain.
You doctor will probably prescribe one or more medications, depending on your symptoms and how you respond to treatment. It is important that you take your medications according to the doctor’s orders. Even if you feel no symptoms, medicines may reduce your chances of a recurrence. Some medicines your doctor might prescribe include: steroids, anti-inflammatory, immune suppressants, antibiotics, and a drug called Infliximab which helps with inflammation.
While these drug treatments should help to decrease your symptoms, it is likely that you will have to have surgery sometime during your treatment. While surgery may just involve draining an abscess, it could also be more serious. Many people with Crohn’s have to have blockages or diseased portions of their intestines removed.
In addition to the medicines your doctor prescribes, you should also make dietary changes to help with treatment. Since the problem is in the digestive tract, keeping it healthy and functioning is important for staying symptom free. Reduce your consumption of dairy, fat, fiber, and any other food that may increase symptoms. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
While the exact cause of Crohn’s is unknown, studies have shown the stress can trigger flare ups and worsen symptoms of the disease. In addition to other therapies and treatments, you should participate in activities that relieve stress. This can be anything from taking a long, hot bath, to participating in yoga, to getting regular massages.
While Crohn’s cannot be cured, it can be managed. You just have to invest some time and effort into getting yourself better and staying that way.
