Crohn's Disease

Everyone experiences a stomachache from time to time, especially as a reaction to certain foods. Imagine, however, that such aches and discomforts were a part of everyday life? What if digesting food became a painful process? Those who suffer from Crohn's disease must endure such pain in addition to diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and rectal bleeding so severe that it may even lead to anemia.   No one really... Read more >

Treatment

Crohn's disease causes severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It most often affects the small intestine, but can strike any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. In addition to the pain caused by intestinal inflammation, Crohn's disease can cause diarrhea, stomach ulcers, malnutrition and other complications such as anemia. Unfortunately, a cure for Crohn's is not currently... Read more >

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Initial Crohn's disease symptoms are difficult to distinguish from other intestinal problems. Abdominal pain often occurs, especially in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Often, the pain is first mistaken for appendicitis. Abdominal cramps, spasms and diarrhea may also occur. Malnutrition and loss of appetite are frequent symptoms; some may experience sudden weight loss. Not all people experience the same... Read more >

Diarrhea Treatment

Even though Crohn's medication reduces inflammation and abdominal pain, many people still require medication to control diarrhea and cramping. Medications for treatment of chronic diarrhea come in both prescription and over-the-counter varieties, either as tablets or rectal suppositories.   Chronic diarrhea carries with it the possibility of dehydration. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for... Read more >

Crohn's Diet

A formal Crohn's diet doesn't exist per se. Foods that aggravate symptoms in one person may have no effect on another. Learning which foods can or cannot be incorporated into a person's diet takes time and is a matter of trial and error. A dietician can help develop a Crohn's diet that is customized to help keep inflammation to a minimum. Keeping a food diary will help determine, over time, which foods provoke and... Read more >

Immune System Suppressants

Although the exact cause of the disease is unclear, its origins appear to have something to do with the body's immune system. Either the immune system reacts too aggressively to an infection, or mistakes the intestinal contents (both food products and naturally-occurring intestinal bacteria) as a threat. The immune system floods the area with white blood cells, resulting in painful inflammation.   Certain... Read more >

Crohn's and Genetics

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive-tract disorder that causes inflammation, diarrhea and intense pain. Symptoms of Crohn's disease can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The small intestine is most often affected. Up to 80 percent of people with Crohn's disease require surgery to treat disease complications, which include intestinal blockages and bleeding. Causes of Crohn's... Read more >

Questions to Ask

If you or a loved one has received a Crohn's diagnosis or if you think you may have Crohn's disease, you likely have many questions. In order to learn as much about the condition as possible, you'll need to effectively communicate with your physicians. To get the most out of your appointment with your Crohn's doctor, it might help to bring a list of questions with you to your next appointment. Preparing for... Read more >