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Health Articles -
Crohn's Disease
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What Is Crohn’s Disease?
By: Jeff Foster
What is Crohn’s disease? It seems this disease is getting more attention these days particularly as a result of the more public attention and education on the matter.
With Crohn’s disease it is very important to completely understand the signs and symptoms of this disease and the best personal treatment management plan for you so that you have the most effective shot at managing this chronic disease. Everyone is different and the treatment plans vary.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and is also called ileitis or enteritis. Crohn’s disease leads to chronic Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and con attack any area of the GI tract from the Anus to the mouth. This can make it tough to manage and control. More often than not, this disease typically invades the lower portion of the small intestine, known as the ileum.
The Pain from Crohn’s disease is caused by the swelling and inflammation that is a hallmark of this disease. In places it can burrow deeply into the GI tract lining. Not only does this edema cause the pain of Crohn’s it also causes the bowels to push to frequently empty its contents leading to explosive Diarrhea.
Pain and hard to control diarrhea can negatively impact the daily lives of those who suffer. When you are so afraid that you are going to be in pain and perhaps unable to control the explosive diarrhea that may attack, you tend to be less social and choose to stay more homebound.
It is often known as a disease that is difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are rather similar to other intestinal conditions, like IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
At this time, research indicates that Crohn's attacks both men and women equally and is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30. There is some evidence that Crohn’s tends to run in the family genes. Those of Jewish decent seem to have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease while those of African-American decent seem to have a decreased risk for the development of this chronic disease.
Because of the life altering affects of this disease and the potential for long term GI tract damage, if you think it is possible that you have Crohn’s disease then you must contact your healthcare provider for a proper assessment. If you do indeed have Crohn’s disease, an aggressive and all inclusive treatment plan designed by your gastroenterologist is the best plan of all.
What is Crohn’s disease? This chronic and irritating disease invades the deep layers of the GI tract causing you pain and agony.
So do something about it…and ignoring it should not be the answer!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 August 2008 )
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