PostsWith the incredible medical research we see year after year, there is renewed progress against various diseases and physical ailments, not to mention problems that impact the mind. Some the maladies most people have barely any familiarity with - that includes Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s disease (CD) affects close to 500,000 Americans. It’s a debilitating affliction that attacks the intestinal tract causing painful cramping, stress, diarrhea, anxiety and even chronic constipation. If you think you may have Crohn’s or are looking for more information on this common, but often misunderstood disease, then keep reading.
What are the causes of the disease?
Basically, every time a healthy individual is exposed to any type of food or bacteria, the gastrointestinal tract will become mildly inflamed. The inflammation is a normal part of digestion and in healthy people, it is turned on and off as part of the body’s way of absorbing nutrients. The inflammation does not lead to infection.
In people who are susceptible to developing Crohn’s disease, the body can’t turn that normal inflammation process off. This then causes the immune system to go into overdrive. Unfortunately, the causes of Crohn’s are unknown, but there are certain stimulants that can cause the disease to worsen or flame up. Some medical practitioners think it is bacteria, a substance in the intestinal tract or genetics.
How do doctors treat CD?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure. That said, the disease can be controlled, and with the right combination of diet and drugs, patients are able to live a happy and normal life. That said, because Crohn’s disease is an incurable and lifelong condition, the treatment needs to be consistently maintained - meaning diet changes need to be kept up to control the disease.
What can trigger a CD flare up?
CD is typically activated by any infection of the intestinal tract. It is then aggravated by various diet choices or activities like smoking. For example, patients are encouraged to avoid fatty foods, foods high in sodium or many forms of dairy products. Other triggers include inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
If I have this affliction, how do I live a normal life?
There are numerous websites and online communities where practitioners and patients discuss different therapy options and life changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of CD. One site is ChronsandMe.com, a support site designed to offer tips, forums for discussion and medical information.
Patients are also advised to track their diet along with symptoms. By understanding what triggers episodes or periods of inflammation, they can help avoid these in the future.
Where can I go for help?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or suspect you may have it, you should consult with your doctor. Patients are also advised to seek treatment from a nutritionist or naturopath who can help identify possible dietary or environmental triggers.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!