Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe conditions that cause the intestines to become inflamed. Crohn's disease is a type of IBD that affects the digestive tract in multiple areas. This disease can appear at any age, but according to the Mayo Clinic, people who are between 20 and 30 are the most susceptible.
Significance
Crohn's disease has no known cure. It can cause debilitating effects on the body, and it can even be life-threatening. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus can all be affected by it.
Causes
There is no known cause for Crohn's disease, but there are a couple of theories. An immune system malfunction is one of them. The digestive system becomes inflamed when the immune system tries to fight off a bacteria or virus that appears. An abnormal immune response to the bacteria that lives in the intestines then takes place, causing inflammation. A hereditary gene mutation is the other theory.
Risk Factors
Whites have a high risk of getting Crohn's disease, but people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have the greatest risk. If someone in your family, such as your parent or close relative, has Crohn's disease, you are prone to get it as well. Cigarette smoking and living in an industrial or urban area can also increase your chances of getting the condition.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can come on without notice, and they can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, the symptoms can stay in remission for long periods of time. The symptoms that appear include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, intestinal ulcers, reduced appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, arthritis and inflammation of the eyes.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for Crohn's disease is to put it into remission and reduce the inflammation that is responsible for the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the first lines of defense. Examples of these are sulfasalazine, mesalamine and corticosteroids. Immune system suppressors like mercaptopurine, azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporine help reduce inflammation by suppressing the body's immune response. Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and metronidazole help to kill bacteria in the intestines and heal abscesses that have developed.
Home Remedies
Although diet cannot cause Crohn's disease, there are certain dietary adjustments you can make to reduce symptoms. Examples of these are limiting your intake of dairy products, eating low-fat foods, eliminating certain fiber-rich foods that cause symptoms, eating more frequent, smaller meals and eliminating beverages that can stimulate your intestines like alcohol and caffeine.
Your digestive process can become altered when you have high levels of stress, which can lead to flareups and exacerbate symptoms. Exercise, biofeedback, yoga, meditative breathing and muscle relaxation are all techniques that can help lower stress.
