Crohn's Disease Causes and Crohn's Disease Information
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes the lining of the gastrointestinal tract to inflame, which can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain and malnutrition. The disease most commonly affects the small intestine, which causes the diarrhea to occur. Based on Crohn's disease information, it tends to run in families. Not only that, but research has shown that people with a Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing the disease. Any Crohn's disease causes are unknown at this time. Researchers believe that a number of factors are playing a role. For instance, they suspect that heredity and a poorly functioning immune system are two of the main causes. Scientists also believe that environmental factors may be involved. Environmental factors can cause direct damage to the lining of the intestines. When this happens, Crohn's disease speeds up. One of the most common environmental factors is cigarette smoke. Other ones include bacteria and viruses. Along with that, scientists have found that high-levels of protein may play a role. Some people have an immune system that produces too much protein, which is referred to as the tumor necrosis factor. This problem is commonly found among patients with Crohn's disease.
Crohn's Disease Symptoms
There are a number of Crohn's disease symptoms that patients may face. In some people, their small intestine will be the only thing affected. In others, their large intestine will be the problem. The most commonly affected areas are the colon and the ileum. The ileum is the bottom part of the small intestine, while the colon is a part of the large intestine. People with Crohn's disease can have mild to severe symptoms. One of the most common problems is diarrhea. When inflammation occurs, it causes the intestines to secrete a considerable amount of water and salt. Abdominal pain is another common symptom. Inflammation causes the walls of the gastrointestinal tract to swell and thicken. In some cases, abdominal pain can be so severe that it leads to nausea and vomiting. It is essential to recognize these symptoms so you can undergo Crohn's disease treatment. Another symptom is blood in the stool. This is caused by food moving through the digestive tract. Some patients develop ulcers on the surface of their intestines, as well as in their mouth. Besides that, patients may experience weight loss and a lack of appetite. This symptom is mainly due to abdominal pain and cramping.
Crohn's Disease Treatment
Based on current Crohn's disease information, there is no cure for the disorder. However, patients can still get treatment in a variety of ways. The main treatment for the disease is medicine. Doctors prescribe medication that is meant to stop inflammation and prevent flare-ups. Since patients experience different levels of severity, treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. If someone has a bad case of Crohn's disease, they may need IV corticosteroids to get the disease under control. The hospital may also treat the patient with supplemental nutrition. When medicine is not effective, surgery may become necessary. Surgery is a type of Crohn's disease treatment that is used as a last resort. During surgery, doctors remove portions of the intestines that are causing problems. Surgeons have to be very careful in order to preserve as much of the intestines as they possibly can. Surgery is not always the best option because the disease tends to return to other parts of the intestine when it is over. Patients with Crohn's disease also have to go through cancer screenings. They have an increased risk of colon cancer. Therefore, cancer screenings are another Crohn's disease treatment option.
