I have Crohn's Disease! What is happening to my body?

Crohn's disease is an often debilitating disease that can, without adequate management, very quickly gain control of your life. If you have a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease or if you have been battling it for some time, it is most important that you have a solid understanding of what is Crohn's disease so that you have the best shot at a healthy you.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and may also be known as ileitis or enteritis. It is a chronic condition that leads to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. One of the real challenges with Crohn's disease is that it can affect any area of the gastrointestinal or G.I. tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, most commonly Crohn's affects the Ilium, or the lower portion of the small intestine.

The inflammation and edema associated with Crohn's disease extends quite deep into the lining of the G.I. tract. It is this inflammation and swelling which leads to the pain associated with Crohn's disease. This same swelling also causes the body to force the intestinal tract to empty its contents frequently which results in diarrhea. It is the pain and diarrhea that are both known to impact the sufferers' quality of life.

Crohn's disease is known to be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. With all sorts of colitis this disease causes inflammation and ulcerations in just the top layer of the lining of the large intestine, which differs from Crohn's disease as it has the potential to affect all layers of the intestinal tract. Also with Crohn's disease there may be sections of normal healthy bowel which can be found between areas of the diseased bowel.

It seems that Crohn's disease attacks both men and women equally and it does seem that there are some familial tendencies. In many cases it does tend to run in families. Recent research seems to indicate that almost 20% of those patients currently suffering with Crohn's disease also have a blood relative who are battling some form of inflammatory bowel disease of one type or the other. Most often this blood relative is a brother or sister and in some cases it may even be a parent or a child.

It seems a cruel twist of fate that young adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 30, is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it is also the time when most patients are diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Research also currently shows that people of Jewish descent have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, while those of African-American descent have the lowest risk.

Crohn's disease requires aggressive and active management in order to have the best chance at control. By working closely with your primary health care provider or your gastroenterologist specialist, you can make an informed decision about the best treatment plan for you to live with. Ignoring it doesn't work, Crohn's disease is one condition that will make sure it is noticed.

While Crohn's disease can certainly heavily impact your life, with an aggressive management plan designed to fit your lifestyle, you have a great shot at learning to manage your symptoms. Just because you have received a diagnosis of Crohn's disease that does not mean that you simply accept it for what it is and give up. You may have some trial and error with the management of your Crohn's disease symptoms, but simply learn to deal with it and fight to regain control of your health.

Crohn's disease is certainly a challenging condition for many people to manage. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, the ongoing battle to control the abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with this inflammatory bowel disease can put a crimp in anybody's style. You simply must work with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician in order to design it best and most livable treatment plan for you.

So just what is Crohn's disease? Well, this chronic inflammatory bowel disease attacks the GI tract, invading some if not all of the layers, and results in severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. What is Crohn's disease? Well, it can be life altering if you allow it! So get with the program and follow the treatment plan designed just for you.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

For more information on healthy living, be sure to visit the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as chronic pain, diet and exercise, IBS & more

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated