Crohn's disease is currently an incurable form of inflammatory bowel disease which typically strikes a person in his twenties, producing inflammation of the digestive tract lining and resulting in abdominal pain or severe diarrhea. Ulceration in the inflamed areas leads to scar tissue that narrows or obstructs the intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, Crohn's "can be both painful and debilitating and sometimes may lead to a life-threatening complication." However, many sufferers who are not afflicted with a severe form of the disorder exhibit only mild symptoms and experience minimal impact on their daily lives if the disease is properly managed.
Symptoms
According to Merck & Company, the mild category of Crohn's disease "includes ambulatory patients... [with] no signs of toxicity, tenderness, mass, or obstruction." The core symptoms include mild fevers, ulcers, boils, fistulas (tiny open portals between the skin and the intestines) and pain in the lower right abdominal area. Sufferers may experience loss of appetite, unexpected weight loss or a general run-down feeling. According to Dr. Paul Klenerman, symptoms can exist unnoticed for some time before strengthening enough to indicate diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
Progression
Patients with "significant pain, tenderness, fever, or vomiting, or those who have not responded to treatment for mild disease, [or] require corticosteroids" are experiencing symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn's disease, according to Merck. Blood in the stool is another sign of the disease's progression.
Drug Treatments
Drugs are prescribed with the intention of relieving symptoms as well as causing and prolonging remission. Drugs used in treating the mild form of Crohn's disease include aminosalicylates (anti-inflammatories), such as sulfazine (Azulfidine). For sustaining periods of remission, physicians prescribe immunosuppressives, including Imuran or Azasan (azathioprine), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Anti-diarrheals, such as Imodium, as well as antibiotics to heal fistulas, may also be used.
Surgery
Surgical approaches, including strictureplasty, bowel resection, colectomy or proctocolectomy, are are reserved for severe cases of Crohn's disease.
Alternative Therapies
Dr. Andrew Weil advocates investigating "modern Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture and herbal remedies in addition to dietary adjustment and, possibly, massage and energy work."
Lifestyle Remedies
Smoking greatly increases the odds of developing Crohn's disease, and sufferers are strongly encouraged to quit. According to an article in "The New York Times," "Patients should strive to eat a well-balanced healthy diet and focus on getting enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients from a variety of food groups." Multivitamins or iron supplements are sometimes suggested by physicians. Patients are encouraged to eat frequent small meals, drink plenty of water, avoid eating spicy foods, high-fiber foods and fried foods, and limit intake of alcohol and caffeine. In addition to avoidance of milk products, Dr. Andrew Weil suggests breathing exercises, biofeedback, hypnotherapy and guided imagery.
