What Causes Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease causes the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to become inflamed. The GI tract goes from the mouth to the anus, and there are different types of the disease based on what part of the tract is inflamed.
It isn’t exactly clear what causes Crohn’s disease. One theory is that it is a result of an abnormal immune system, and that the body sees food and bacteria in the digestive system as foreign substances and attacks them, which causes inflammation. It can also run in families or can even start as an infection. Factors that increase the risk of getting the disease include smoking, being younger than 30, and being Caucasian or of Eastern European Jewish descent.
What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is different for everyone. In some, the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are mild, but they can also be severe. They can develop slowly in some, but in others they can come on suddenly. There may be periods when there are no symptoms at all. When you do have symptoms, they can include abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. You may even have problems outside of the intestinal tract, such as kidney stones or inflammation of the skin, joints, or eyes.
How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are treatments available to relieve the pain and help the patient to deal with it day to day. Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immune system modifiers, or antibiotics may help. Making changes to your lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and quitting smoking, can help. When all else fails, surgery to remove the damaged part of the GI tract may be advised.
You don’t have to suffer with Crohn’s disease – it is possible to get help and to feel better. Contact Campbell Foundational Health for treatment options for Crohn’s disease. Call 919-308-9701 today.
