What is Crohn’s Disease?
With November being Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness month, we thought we’d help educate about what exactly Crohn’s Disease is all about – and some of the facts behind the disease.
Crohn's Disease can effect any part of the GI tract. Photo from healingwell.com
History of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, who discovered this autoimmune disease with two other colleagues,Dr. Leon Ginzburg and Dr. Gordon D. Oppenheimer, in 1932. (learn more from CCFA.) These physicians identified a chronic disease in many patients that results in continual gastrointestinal inflammation. They published a paper about this disease, and soon Crohn’s was recognized as one of the main diseases involved in autoimmune IBD disorders.
In short, those with Crohn’s Disease deal with confused cells that mistake healthy bacteria or substances in the digestive tract as foreign invaders. Although symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and colitis tend to be very similar, the difference is in the location of the inflammation. According to CCFA, Crohn’s disease is typically located at the junction of the small bowel and large intestine. Colitis hides out in the entire large intestine. Although there are typical spots for Crohn’s to be located, it can occur anywhere from the mouth to the bottom of the anus.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is marked by continual diarrhea, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and occasional bleeding. Research is ongoing to find the cause of Crohn’s Disease, but latest studies have found to link genes and family history with the disease – although that’s not the case for every Crohn’s Disease patient. Crohn’s typically shows up in those age 15-35, although it is possible to be diagnosed at any age. Environment and race may also play a factor; Crohn’s is more prevalent in Eastern Europeans (especially those of Jewish descent,) and in Europe and America’s urban areas, although cases are beginning to become more prevalent in other areas and races. Learn more about the symptoms of Crohn’s.
Treating Crohn’s Disease
Treating Crohn’s disease depends on the person, and the severity of the disease. Some can manage their Crohn’s by keeping a strict, healthy diet and managing stress. Others may require a regimen of pills to control symptoms, or even surgery to remove the damaged areas of the bowel.
We recommend that if you’re having any signs of Crohn’s disease, especially watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and bleeding – contact a physician right away. Not only can a gastroenterologist help you manage your symptoms, but a doctor can also reduce your risk for further complications.
