My Crohnstipated Life

Crohn’s disease is named for Burrill Bernard Crohn after he and others described it in a published article in 1932. It is also referred to as ileitis. Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the digestive tract which usually occurs in the small intestine, although it can appear anywhere from the mouth to the anus.

Crohn’s Disease and its bad brother disease, ulcerative colitis, fall under the same category of IBD, inflammatory bowel disease. They both share similar symptoms, but colitis differs in that it usually only affects the colon and rectum. IBD and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are two different chronic diseases and should not be confused as one. IBS doesn’t have the serious complications of IBD and is not treated in the same manner. During a flare-up of IBD, any of the following symptoms can occur:

Symptoms of IBD

• diarrhea
• low-grade fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• abdominal cramping and pain
• weight loss
• flatulence (gas)
• blood in stool
• headaches
• vomiting

Complications of IBD
• malabsoption
• steatorrhea (bloating)
• peritonitis (leaking walls)
• strictures (partial obstruction of bowel)
• fistulas and abscesses
• iron-deficiency anemia
• malnutrition

Theories of what causes C&C
• Gentic Factors: 20% of patients have a close family member with the disease. Also more prevalent with Europeans and those of Jewish descent.

• Virus: Bacterium that causes the immune system to product anti-bodies that attack the digestive tract.

• Environmental Factors: The disease is found more frequently in industrialized nations and those whose diet consists of high fat and refined foods.

Possible Contributing Factors:
• smoking
• oral contraceptive use
• MMR vaccine
• antibiotic use
• zinc deficiency

An estimated 1.4 million Americans have C&C with 30,000 new cases diagnosed yearly according to Dr. James F. Marion. It is most commonly diagnoses between the ages of 15-35. It is equally diagnosed between both men and women. Conditions with IBD are arthritis, migraines, kidney stones, osteoporosis, among others. C&C patients also have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. IBD has increased rapidly since the 1950s, and could be because of environmental factors or better diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis
After a complete work up including a physical and blood work, you doctor will probably order a barium x-ray and colonoscopy. A barium consists of drinking this god awful (sorry) liquid on an empty stomach prior to a series of x-rays. The colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible tube with a scope on the end of it is inserted into your rectum so that the entire colon can be examined for inflammation and obstructions.

Treatments
There are many depending on your beliefs and desired treatment of your medical doctor. Currently, the most common treatments are:

o Immunosuppressives
o Anti-biotics
o Anti-inflammatories

These treatments can cause a host of side effects ranging from mild to severe. Yet, these drugs can get you closer to feeling normal rather than not. Find the right doctor for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to push until you get answers. Don’t forget to ask if a natural, non-invasive therapy is suitable for you rather than the harsh pharmaceutical drugs.

There are other medications and supplements used to reduce symptoms such as nicotine patches which help relieve symptoms of colitis. Antidiarrheal drugs that slow down muscle activity, and fiber bulks up stool. Laxatives for cases of constipation. Tylenol for pain relief. H-2 blockers such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac (acid reducers). And multi-vitamins or IV therapies for deficiencies caused by diarrhea and inadequate nutrient intake and in cases of iron-deficiency anemia.

Surgery
When it all fails, surgery may be recommended by your doctor. With Crohn’s removing the portion of the gasto-intestional tract that is damaged can result in remission of the disease, but with all surgeries it may only be temporary. The disease can come back harder and further surgery may be needed. With colitis, the disease can be “cured” by removal of the entire colon and rectum.