Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. About 700,000 Americans have this condition today yet many people do not fully understand the disease. Even researchers aren't fully convinced as to how the problem begins, who is most inclined to fall victim to it, and how it should be best treated. Despite the various advancements that have been made in treatment over the last three decades, there is no current cure for this type of disorder.
Most of the time, this condition takes place within the colon and small intestine. The disease can affect almost any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus, and it can also involve various different parts of the GI tract while skipping other areas. This is a problem that can be mild for some but can be very debilitating to others. The symptoms can vary and change over time, and in some people the disease may lead to life-threatening conditions.
The Signs and Symptoms of Crohn's Disease:
The symptoms that are generally associated with Crohn's disease will develop gradually. Many symptoms can also grow worse over time. Though possible, it is rare for symptoms in this disease to develop suddenly. The early signs of this kind of disease might include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, blood in the stool, and feeling as though your bowels aren't empty after a bowel movement, or that you need to have bowel movements more frequently.
It's possible for the symptoms generally associated with Crohn's disease to actually be signs of other conditions, such as upset stomach, allergies, or even food poisoning. However, it's important to seek help from a medical professional if any of the symptoms associated with this particular disease persist. In some people, the symptoms get worse as the disease progresses, leading to perianal fistulas, ulcers, and inflammation in the skin and joints.
Treating Crohn's Disease:
At this time, there is no cure available for people with Crohn's disease, but the condition is highly manageable through a range of treatment options. Medications can be used to treat the disorder, for instance, and first line treatments generally involve some form of anti-inflammatory drug. On the other hand, advanced options can include biologics, which use the immune system of the body to treat the disease.
Many experts recommend making dietary changes as part of a treatment for the condition as food can trigger flare ups. Once your diagnosis is definitive, your doctor will ask you to make an appointment with a registered dietitian, who can guide you through the process of understanding how food affects your condition. You may be asked to keep a food diary during this time that will help the dietitian to understand how your condition reacts to different types of food, and the best way for you to get adequate nutrition.
Perhaps the most dramatic form of treatment for Crohn's disease is the use of surgery. Surgery is usually only considered if less invasive treatment options fail to improve your symptoms. During this process, a surgeon will remove the damaged portions of your digestive tract and reconnect healthy sections.