Crohn's
Disease |
What Is Crohn's Disease? Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation or swelling of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal tract. An estimated 500,000 people in the United States have Crohn's disease.2
Crohn's disease symptoms may range from mild to severe and can vary widely from person to person. Most people experience periods when they have flare ups, followed by episodes of remission when the symptoms decrease or even disappear. Commonly reported symptoms include the following:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Rectal bleeding and loss of appetite may also occur.
In addition to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease can also affect other areas of the body such as the joints, eyes, skin, and liver.
Along with painful symptoms. Crohn's disease can lead to complications, including an obstruction of the intestine due to swelling and the formation of scar tissue.
Other potential complications of Crohn's disease include the development of fissures (small cuts or tears in the anal canal), abscesses (localized infection or collection of pus), and fistulas (an abnormal tunnel that forms between two structures of the body).
Risk Factors - Though it can occur at any age, most people are diagnosed with Crohn's disease between the ages of 15 and 35.2 Men and women are at equal risk of Crohn's disease, while people of European heritage are more likely to develop the disease.
If you have a relative with Crohn's disease, your risk of developing the condition may be greater. Roughly 20% of people with Crohn's disease have a sibling, parent or child with some form of IBD.3
While the exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, researchers believe that inherited genes, environmental factors, and the immune system all play a role. Research also suggests that in Crohn's disease, the immune system reacts to a virus or bacterium in the GI tract, ultimately resulting in swelling and subsequent bowel injury.
Once closely linked to diet and anxiety, there is no clear evidence that either of these is a direct cause of Crohn's disease. However, stress and an unhealthy diet are associated with poor nutrition and may worsen symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Stomach and Digestive Disorders
“I have been using these Products in my practice for the past two years. Both children and adults have benefited from the effects of the remedies and I can comfortably say that the response has been outstanding. ” - Victoria Whitefield, Psychologist and Licensed Counselor in Private Practice
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