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Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease manifests itself in the bowels and negatively impacts your digestive tract. It is an inflammatory disease that causes some degree of stomach pain and weight loss in most patients; and if it becomes severe enough the side effects can be personally debilitating.

The precise cause of Crohn’s still remains unknown. Various research and studies suggest family history, diet and lifestyle, or even immune system deficiencies may be related to the onset of this disease.

As a result of Crohn’s disease, ulcers form on the lining of the digestive tract and it is these ulcers that begin to cause the digestive problems. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the G.I. (gastrointestinal tract) and is not necessarily always chronic in nature.

Crohn’s can, in fact, in many patients may go into a ‘remission’ state allowing the sufferer to function normally. However, remission shouldn’t necessarily be equated to being healed. There is always a chance that this disease can resurface so it is extremely important that you pay close attention to your health

These ulcers that develop in the digestive tract cause swelling and a subsequent narrowing of the intestinal wall, and as such, will impact the body’s ability to digest food properly. This will result in the inability to pass stools efficiently and ultimately lead to the most common visual symptom of Crohn’s disease; that being the presence of blood in the stool. Aside from the obvious red flag, blood in the stool is also an indication that the body is losing valuable vitamins and minerals as a result.

The level of severity of Crohn’s disease can vary from mild all the way to severe. No matter what level; it is important that the symptoms be recognized early and that a dialog with your primary care physician begins.

History and research has shown that diet can certainly play a role in effectively controlling and treating the symptoms of Crohn’s disease; and is quite often the first line of defense that you will discuss with your doctor.

Although there is no current cure for Crohn’s, early diagnosis, and working with your physician is the proper path to take in getting this disease under control, keeping it in the background, and minimally effecting the quality of your daily living.

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