Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation or ulceration of the digestive tract . The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is related closely to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon called ulcerative colitis. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea Because the symptoms of Crohn's disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have no medical cure. Once the diseases begin, they tend to fluctuate between periods of inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse). They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people in the United States. Men and women are equally affected. IBD most commonly begins during adolescence and early adulthood, but it also can begin during childhood and later in life. It also is more common among relatives of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Both inflame the lining of your digestive tract, and both can cause severe bouts of watery or bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Crohn's disease affects the deepest layers of the lining of the digestive tract, causing deep sores called ulcers. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, usually affects only the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Both illnesses do have one strong feature in common. In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation. These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury. In Crohn's disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and there can be normal healthy bowel in between patches of diseased bowel. There's no known medical cure for Crohn's disease. However, therapies are available that may greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and even bring about a long-term remission.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

The common Causes of Crohn's Disease :

People with a family history of ulcerative colitis (another inflammatory bowel disorder) also run a higher risk of getting the disease.
Stress is thought to exacerbate the illness which can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
Most recent research has concentrated on mycobacteria. A diet low in fibre and high in chemicals is also suspected to have a role in the illness.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Some Symptoms of Crohn's Disease :

Crampy abdominal (belly area) pain
Persistent, watery diarrhea
Diarrhea.
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite.

Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Since there is frequently a bacterial infection along with Crohn's disease, antibiotics are often used to treat this problem. Two that are commonly used are ciprofloxacin (trade name: Cipro) and metronidazole (trade name: Flagyl).
The anti-bacterial agent Metronidazole has been shown to be effective in treating lesions in the gut, but long-term use can lead to seizures.
Other drugs which can be effective include sulfaslazine, immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids.
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea may be helped by medications, which often lessen the inflammation in the colon. More serious cases may require steroid drugs, antibiotics, or drugs that affect the body's immune system.
A small number of patients, who temporarily need extra nutrition, may need periods of feeding by vein (intravenously).
sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), Dipentum, Asacol, Rowasa, and Pentasa belong to a group of drugs called the 5-aminosalicylates. These drugs are most useful in maintaining a remission, once the disease is brought under control. They are most effective when the disease is present in the colon. These are available in oral and enema preparation.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

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