Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It is an autoimmune disease that can cause painful abdominal cramps, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and general fatigue. There is no cure, but treatment plans often include a change in diet and increased exercise. Support groups are available for sufferers.
Some people may confuse Crohn’s disease with another condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they’re not as related as you might think. This condition is considered inflammatory bowel disease, indicating that an infection is present anywhere from the upper part of the esophagus to the rectum. IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions are usually limited to the intestines and colon, however, without the redness and swelling found with Crohn’s disease.
The actual cause of Crohn’s disease still remains a mystery, but many researchers suspect it’s a reaction to a virus or a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis. This is why it is considered an autoimmune disease: the body itself creates the conditions necessary for an exacerbation. Sufferers often experience painful abdominal cramps, frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and general fatigue. While stress is not considered a trigger, the cumulative effects of symptoms can cause social anxiety and stress.
Crohn’s disease can appear suddenly at any age, but most cases seem to start between the ages of 15 and 30. Caucasian women are particularly sensitive, although the reason is unclear. The disease can also flare up later in life, often in combination with other age-related conditions.
Treatment plans often include a change in diet and increased exercise. Crohn’s disease has been known to go into remission, or at least become cyclical. During an active flare-up, sections of the intestinal walls become so inflamed that normal defecation and elimination can be painful. Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea or constipation can be helpful.
There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, although there are a number of researchers working to find one. For sufferers, support groups are available in many parts of the world, and online discussion groups can also provide up-to-date information on the latest treatments and research efforts.
Crohn’s disease is considered chronic, meaning it will exist for the patient’s life, but not terminal. However, the symptoms can complicate other medical conditions. It is important to stay hydrated to prevent an overall loss of body fluids. Some people with this disease also suffer from fibromyalgia or other fatigue conditions, so a combination of adequate rest and exercise should also be practiced.
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