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). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn's disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
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 following are potential drug treatments:
* 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. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that these drugs may be causing cancer among young adults and children as well as be cause for fatal infections among additional patients. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug's known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. 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.
It is also advisable to consult a pharmaceutical attorney on the details of a Cimzia class action lawsuit, which may be necessary if severe damage, such as developing cancer, occurred.
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
Colitis And Crohns Disease
Although Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus it most commonly affects the ileum or the lowest part of the small intestine.
The chronic inflammation can cause pain and can cause the intestines to empty quickly and frequently resulting in diarrhea. This disease can be quite painful and at times debilitating and even more concerning is the fact that Crohn's can also lead to life-threatening complications.
Irritable bowel syndrome, Ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease all have very similar symptoms making the diagnosis of these diseases difficult at best.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's can range from mild to severe symptoms and may develop gradually or appear suddenly, and without warning. Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease.
Other symptoms can include weight loss, rectal bleeding, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, gas, skin lesions, joint pain and fever. Rectal bleeding is a serious issue and can be persistent, leading to anemia. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.
Crohn's disease is diagnosed usually after your physician has ruled out other diseases. In order to diagnose CD, your physician may order blood tests to look for a low red cell count which may indicate anemia, an increased white blood cell count which indicates an infection, and a high sedimentation rate indicates inflammation.
A colonoscopy is one of the commonly utilized tests for diagnosing Crohn's disease. With this exam, your physician will insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera into your rectum.
This exam allows your physician direct visualization of your entire colon. It also allows your physician to take a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken from the colon and studied further.
Your physician may also order a barium enema. This diagnostic test allows your doctor to evaluate your large intestine with the use of an X-ray.
Another exam is known as a flexible sigmoidoscopy. It is often used in conjunction with a barium enema. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a slender, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to examine the sigmoid, the last 2 feet of your colon. Both of these tests can be uncomfortable and are not as reliable as a colonoscopy but fortunately are over fairly quickly.
Although there is currently no specific medication designed just for the treatment of Crohn's disease most treatment options focus on treating the symptoms of CD.
If you are suffering with an infection or abscess, medication specific to those conditions are generally ordered. Besides medications, other treatments include nutritional supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. Treatment goals focus on reducing inflammation, pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
Even though there is currently no known cure, this often difficult to manage disease can be improved by working with your physician to design a treatment plan just for you.
Both Katie Kelley & Jeff Foster are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Katie Kelley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Trucks, Brain Injury and Build Muscle. LegalView (http://www.LegalView.com ) offers an array of legal information ranging from developing a. Katie Kelley's top article generates over 33100 views. Bookmark Katie Kelley to your Favourites.
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