Crohn's disease is a painful inflammation of the tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. Although it can infect anywhere from the esophagus to the anus, Crohn's disease mainly infects the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum. The disease digs deep into the tissue of the organ it infects, and it causes frequent release of fluids in the form of diarrhea. Crohn's disease is similar to colitis, making it difficult to diagnose. The difference is that colitis infects superficial layers, while Crohn's disease infects multiple layers of tissue.
Causes
The cause of Crohn's disease is associated with the immune system. The immune system normally attacks invaders that are unknown to the body. In Crohn's disease, the immune system mistakes normal flora, food and intestinal tissue as foreign, so it develops defenses against these substances causing extreme inflammation. The white blood cells accumulate and cause blockage and bowel damage leading to pain and indigestion.
Symptoms
Because Crohn's disease affects the intestines, the most common symptom is lower abdominal pain. Food digestion is problematic, so the other main symptom is diarrhea. Other typical symptoms are rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems and fever. The bleeding associated with Crohn's disease is a severe issue, because it can lead to anemia, a blood disorder. Crohn's disease is also severe in children since it can lead to improper development and stunted growth.
Complications
The biggest complication of Crohn's disease is the accumulation of immune cells and blockage of the intestines. There's an increase of scar tissue and intestinal swelling that exacerbates the situation. It also causes ulcers and sores that can migrate to other areas such as the vagina, bladder or as far as the skin. These are painful ulcerations and sometimes need surgery for removal.
Treatment
Treatment of Crohn's disease is a combination of medicine, surgery and diet. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, so the most common treatment is surgery and nutrition. The goal for Crohn's disease treatment is the elimination of inflammation. For some people, remission of the disease can last several years. However, the disease usually has multiple recurrences throughout a person's lifetime. The most common drug therapies to relieve symptoms are antinflammatories, steroids, cortisol injections and immune system suppressors.
Diet
Because Crohn's disease affects the intestines, absorption of nutrients is inhibited. People who are infected need to increase supplements to improve the amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for normal function. In addition, diet needs to reduce the foods that cause inflammation. These changes should be done with the consultation of a doctor.
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