There is a cure and a cripple for every disease. At an age where living healthy is often ignored by many, a lack of Crohn’s disease information can cripple most unexpectedly, which is why equipping oneself with information related to this disease is of paramount importance.
Crohn’s disease, unlike irritable bowel syndrome, is an actual irritable bowel disease, which often occurs in any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. It appears as a form of inflammation in the GItract and can affect the entire tract ranging from the mouth to the very corners of the anus. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome which is often temporary, it is a chronic disease and can have long-lasting effects. Crohn’s disease information states that the usual symptoms are identified in people between 15 to 35 years of age and that the disease affects both genders equally.
Recent Crohn’s disease information from the medical community and scientific studies reveal that it is one of the incurable diseases of this generation. The good news is that it cannot be passed on or transmitted physically. However, it can be inherited by blood relatives. The likelihood of a person being susceptible to Crohn’s disease is 30% higher than the average population, in case that person is a blood relative of another victim of Crohn’s disease.
Causes of Crohn’s disease
One aspect that stands true is the fact that Crohn’s disease isn’t caused as a result of eating bad food. More often than not, the true cause behind the origin of Crohn’s disease is a blend of genetics, environmental factors, and a hyperactive immune system. Cigarette smokers may also be two times more likely at risk of facing the symptoms of this disease. Surgeries are often required and involved in the treatment of this disease, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
How does Crohn’s disease affect an individual?
Usually, Crohn’s disease targets the intestinal tracts and causes inflammation in the digestive linings. Severe bouts of diarrhea, abdominal pain in the right area, sudden weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition are the surface precursors of Crohn’s disease. The usual process of Crohn’s disease starts with the abnormal and chronic activation of the immune system. The immune system is activated only in times of distress when the body has to fight against harmful external invasions. This results in an inflammation frequent activation of the immune systems lead to chronic inflammation or ulceration, which is what we know as Crohn’s disease. Frequent episodes of flare-ups and remissions are common in those who are prone to Crohn’s disease.
Severe stages of this disease make the situation life-threatening and render most unable and unfit for daily work life. Other good indicators of whether or not you may be a victim of this disease are:
- You feel your bowels are full despite proper bowel movements.
- Sudden high fever
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
Symptoms of this disease are often mistaken with cases of food poisoning and short bouts of diarrhea. The disease is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome, which is not chronic.
Diagnosis
There are no specific diagnostic tests linked to Crohn’s disease. People who have Crohn’s disease usually discover they are victims of this disease at the later stages of development and as such, diagnosis occurs a little late since the early signs are hard to spot. If you find yourself having Crohn’s disease or suspect someone being a victim of the disease, the concerned person must undergo a wide series of stringent medical tests to ascertain the stage and degree of the disease.
The following tests are undertaken for diagnosing symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
Regular and routine blood tests, which involve antibody blood tests and stool sample diagnosis.
Imaging tests which involve a variety of tests such as endoscopy, X-ray scan, CT scan, MRI, leukocyte scintigraphy, endoscopic ultrasound and contrast X-rays.
Treatments
The worldwide Crohn’s disease information states that there’s no cure for the disease. However, you can get some relief by undergoing consistent treatment, surgeries, and by taking relevant medication.
Some of the groups of medicines which are prescribed by doctors, depending on the stage of the disease, include:
- Steroids
- Immune modifiers
- Antibiotics
- Biologic therapies
Although Crohn’s disease cannot be treated, you can take natural preventive measures by visiting your doctor, taking timely medication, following a healthy lifestyle, and by reducing stress in your life.
