Crohn’s Disease

Uninterrupted inflammatory bowel disease

The inflamation and pain can be reduced with treatments. Crohn’s disease consists of a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can affect the ileum, the bowel and the anal region.  Most of the time, it is in the end of the small intestine.  It is part of the inflammatory diseases of the intestine as is the case of the ulcerative colitis.  Crohn generally affects people less than 30 years old however in the last fifty years we have seen a rise in this disease.

In the 1930s Dr. Crohn of New York gave a precise description on this disease.  We do not  know with certainty what causes Crohn’s disease.   One thinks that it may be a virus or a bacteria in the digestive system.  Nutrition and stress also add to the disease.  We do not believe that it is hereditary. 

Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are not the same and do not effect the same areas.  While this last one characterizes itself by continuous inflammation of the bowel, Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract. It is difficult to diagnose with certainty this inflammatory disease of the intestine for the symptoms vary a lot from one person to another. 

A person with Crohn’s disease can feel comparatively well for several months, then have many difficulties: bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation and other various symptoms.  We have also found that people with Crohn’s are in a higher risk for colon cancer.

Prevention

We cannot be certain of what causes the disease, however we agree that the following factors can worsen the disease: smoking, pollution, too much sugar or fat in the diet, not enough fruit and vegetable in the diet, anxiety, etc. 

The people that control it the best are the ones that have a good diet. and follow their treatment.  Certain foods increase the irritation while others can be eaten without consequences.  We suggest a specific diet to each individual. Those with Crohn’s should also learn to relax. 

Treatments

The treatments will reduce the inflammation and the pain.  It is difficult to determine the appropriate treatments because of the many changes in the symptoms of the disease.  Certain treatments can help where lack of proper nutrition is an issue. 

It is possible to remove a part of the digestive tract but surgery is not always necessary. However, if the condition worsens it may be necessary to operate, although this may still not cure everything.

This information is personal opinion and not medical.