Crohns DiseaseDescription Crohns Disease is an inflammatory condition of the small intestine and colon. It is a severe form of colitis that causes fistulas to form in the colon. There is atrophy and ulceration of the intestines. Something to remember, any condition ending in 'itis', means inflammation. ie: appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix;sinusitis - inflammation of the sinus. When I learned that, it seemed to remove the feeling of fear for me, if the doctor named something with 'itis' after it. One-third of all cases are in the small bowel, especially the ileum. Half of all cases involve the small intestine and colon, and about 20 percent of the cases affect the colon alone. Causes The precise cause of Crohns disease remains unknown. It can be caused by antibiotics, food allergies, drugs, chemicals or microorganisms, including parasites. While both viruses and bacteria can cause colitis, there is little evidence that suggests infections actually lead to this most painful disease. Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with the development and worsening of Crohns. Symptoms of Crohns Disease The first symptoms of this inflammatory disease are frequent abdominal pains and diarrhea. Pain is usually felt on the right hand side of the navel and in the area of the navel in general. - abdominal pain - joint pain - weight loss - lack of appetite - fatigue - frequent fever Diagnosis Diagnosis is based upon the clinical presentation combined with supportive findings from x-rays (abdominal CT, small bowel exam),colonoscopy and biopsies of the intestinal tract. There is no single test used to diagnose this uncomfortable condition.
Medical Treatment for CrohnsCorticosteroidsCorticosteroids such as prednisone is prescribed for remission of this disease. Corticosteroids are used for a short-term therapy and other medications are used to maintain remission following steroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation throughout the body. Antibiotics How antibiotics help Crohns disease is not well understood, but it may alter the concentrations of bacteria in the colon and small bowel. Immunomodulatory Drugs These drugs are often effective in maintaining remission of Crohns disease. There can be adverse effects as these medications are used long-term. They work by changing the way certain inflammatory cells in the intestinal lining respond to inflammatory triggers. Surgery Surgery may be necessary for those that medical treatment was ineffective. Surgery will remove the diseased segment of bowel. Surgery may be necessary for any of the following: - permanent narrowing or obstruction of the bowel - infection in the area of the anus - perforation of the bowel - any localized infection Keep in mind, that surgery will result in remission, but does not cure the disease. Most people with have a recurrence after surgery and require additional medical attention. Healing SuggestionsThere are many different herbal remedies to be used in the process of healing.1. Remove the irritants (ie: diet) 2. Using Digestive Enzymes to enhance food breakdown 3. Rebuild intestinal flora with probiotics 4. Repair and tone damaged intestinal tissues 5. Identify and address stress component I will be doing a page on the Herbal Remedies that can be used for healing IBS.
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