It is still not known as to the exact cause of Crohn's Disease. Various research and studies indicate hereditary effects, diet and lifestyle, or even a weakened immune system may be related to the beginning of Crohn's Disease.
Because of Crohn's disease, ulcers begin on the lining of the digestive tract and it is these ulcers that begin to cause the digestive problems. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the G.I. and is not necessarily always chronic in nature.
Crohn's disease can in many patients go into a remission state permitting the sufferer to function normally. But, a remission state should not necessarily be associated with being healed. There is always a possibility that the Crohn's can resurface so it is extremely important that you pay close attention to your health.
These ulcers that develop in the digestive tract cause edema and eventually a narrowing of the intestinal wall, and as such, will impede the body's ability to digest food adequately. This will leave you unable to efficiently pass stool and ultimately lead to the most common visual symptom of Crohn's disease; that being the presence of blood in the stool. Aside from the clear red flag, a bloody stool is also a sign that the body is losing necessary vitamins and minerals because of the bleeding.
The level of severity of Crohn's disease can vary from mild all the way to life controlling. Regardless the level; it is most important that you recognize the symptoms early and that a dialog with your primary care physician begins.
History and research has made it clear that food can without a doubt play a role in definitely controlling and treating Crohn's disease and is quite often the first type of treatment that you will discuss with your healthcare provider.
While there is no present cure for Crohn's Disease, early diagnosis, and working with your physician is the proper option to take in getting this disease under control, keeping it in the background, and minimally effecting your life.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has researched the potential causes of Crohn's disease and have found that while more research is necessary as to the specific reasons behind the condition, the following are factors that may contribute to an individual developing the condition:
* genes (a family's history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that "the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body's immune system may trigger the disease." Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both males and females are equally affected and individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 make up most of the population of Crohn's disease sufferers, between 500,000 and 1 million Americans.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn's disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual's case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn's Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn's disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The types of drugs that are available include the following:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn's disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. The drugs, which are also known as TNF blockers, include:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug's known as Cimzia.
A Reuters article noted that during a 10-year period nearly 30 cases of cancer were reported among young children. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn's disease.
Katie Kelley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Trucks, Brain Injury and Build Muscle. For more information on Cimzia and Crohn's disease, visit or