Crohn's Disease is Inflammation in the Digestive System

Crohn’s disease is a life-long condition effecting victims of any age. It is considered a form of an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive system. The cause of the disease is unknown. The inflammation is due to the immune system attacking the healthy cells throughout the body’s gastrointestinal tract.

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease remain unknown, but most believe that factors that contribute to the disease may include genetics, immune system, environment, etc. The immune system does play an important role in causing Crohn’s disease. The immune system protects the body from infection and other harmful substances. With this particular disease, the immune system will attack things like food, bacteria, and other substances that could not cause harm to the body.

A common Sign of Crohn’s disease is abdominal pain. This is usually caused by the inflammation that causes the bowels to swell and become thicker. This makes it difficult for the contents to flow through normally which could cause pain and/or discomfort.

Another common symptom for Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. The cells of the affected area secrete a large amount of water and salt due to the inflammation. The colon cannot absorb all of the excess fluid. To release the extra fluid, diarrhea will develop. Extreme intestinal cramping can also be a cause of diarrhea.

Reduced appetite and weight loss can become an issue to one with Crohn’s disease. The ability to digest and absorb food can be affected by the inflammatory reaction in the bowels. A loss of appetite can also be contributed by abdominal pain.

Some with Crohn’s disease experience blood in their stool. It is not uncommon for the substances passing through the digestive tract to cause t...

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...n, and slow breathing because stress can worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Avoiding stimulants like tobacco and caffeine and staying active can help to prevent Crohn’s disease.

1.4 million Americans currently have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. About 70,000 new cases of IBD are diagnosed in the United States each year. Crohn's disease can be found in men and women. The disease is usually diagnosed between 20 to 30 years old. 20% of the people diagnosed has a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease. The average annual costs for people living with Crohn’s disease is $8,265 per patient.

Current Research includes clinical trials testing out possible new treatments to help provide relief of the symptoms and help to discover a cure. There now is special blood test being offered the can help make an accurate diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.