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What Is Crohns Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a condition that is not totally understood. There seems to be no cause anyone can pinpoint, and there is no cure that has been found as of yet. It is an ailment that is often mistaken for other conditions, and by the time the proper diagnosis is made, it can be at a very troubling stage. Though this is something that is most commonly detected and diagnosed in teenagers, it can happen during any time in adulthood. It is very rare for a child to have Crohn’s.
The basic problem with Crohn’s lies in the digestive system. Though most sufferers find their condition is location in the intestines, some have been known to be in other parts. It is thought to be an auto-immune disease, which means the body is attacking itself for an unknown reason. Inflammation often occurs that leads to a variety of problems. These problems can be helped with medications, diet changes, stress relief, herbal remedies, and other lifestyle changes. Some people believe stress may cause Crohn’s, but that has not been proven, although stress can make a pre-existing condition worse. There are some indications it might be genetic, but even that appears to be randomly occurring.
Some of the symptoms of Crohn’s are often mistaken for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other digestive disturbances. It is often missed, and not diagnosed properly right away. Sufferers can have diarrhea, vomiting, cramping in the stomach and intestines, blood in the stool, psoriasis, weakness, weight loss, and fatigue. Not all patients have the same symptoms, and the severity will vary from person to person. It is possible for symptoms to go into remission, but as this is a chronic condition the patient should expect flare-ups to reoccur.
In severe cases, the inflammation can cause blockages in the intestines, and can lead to tears and ulcers that will bleed out through the rectum. When the intestines are unable to function, or the food moves through too quickly due to diarrhea, the patient can loss weight rapidly, and may not be able to function in day to day life. When this happens, surgery is usually opted for. Approximately 75 percent of all those with Crohn’s will face surgery at least once in their lifetime. An operation will not be a cure, but it may improve life quality and might also signal the beginning of remission.
When you think of what is Crohn’s disease, you might better think about what Crohn’s disease means for you. This condition is vastly different from patient to patient, and no course of treatment will be the same. If you have parents who have Crohn’s, you may be at risk for it, and you should know what to look for. Though there is no cure, many treatments can help a person life a normal life. Any person with this condition, or the related condition Colitis, should make sure they keep an open line of communication with their doctor, and to keep up with treatment options so that they may feel as good as they possibly can.
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February 1st, 2008 at 1:59 pm
could it be that the Doctor made a mistake and told me i had crohn’s and i really don’t is that posabale
February 15th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Hi Donna
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is not unheard of for crohn’s disease to be misdiagnosed, however it is usually mistaken for IBS or other intestinal conditions not the other way around. But if you are unsure about what your doctor has told you I would suggest going back and discussing your concerns or alternatively seek a second opinion.
Best of luck.