Living with Crohn’s Disease

The digestive system is home for trillions of bacteria that participate in food digestion. However, people with Crohn’s disease may have problems with the presence of these bacteria in their digestive system.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the gastrointestinal tract. This may occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is more common in the large intestine. This disease can have varied symptoms, such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The disease may also manifest through skin rashes, fever and joint pains. When left untreated, Crohn’s disease may be fatal.

According to Dr. Theo Heller of the Translational Hepatology Unit at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institute of Health, Crohn’s disease is a disabling, devastating and degrading disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Crohn’s disease is not yet well-understood despite the current advancement of medicine. Based on some studies, it affects individuals who are genetically susceptible. This disease is also linked to one’s immune system, bacterial factors and environment.

Heller said that most patients do not know that they are suffering from Crohn’s disease. It is hard to diagnose because of its several symptoms.

In fact, Dr. Michael Zasloff, the director of Immunology at Georgetown’s University, said that there is no defining measurement for Crohn’s.

According to Zasloff, Crohn’s disease may run in the family and an individual may already have this disease since birth, but he or she will only experience the various symptoms once he or she reaches adulthood. During this stage, an individual will start experiencing abdominal discomfort and other symptoms.

Heller said that the symptoms of Crohn’s disease manifest when the digestive tract, particularly the small intestine, cannot prevent the bacteria from infesting the other parts of the body. Crohn’s disease may be the result of bacterial infection.

Zasloff said that Crohn’s disease is better understood today than 10 years ago due to the advancements in the field of genetics. It is now known that this disease runs in certain populations and families.

In the United States, Crohn’s disease is rare, occurring in only one in 544 individuals. Also, among Ashkenazim, Crohn’s disease is more common.

However, Crohn’s disease can now easily be managed. Patients can take anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs to lessen inflammation due to bacterial infection. Surgically removing a part of the intestine or colon may also be an option for those with severe cases. Moreover, Heller also advises patients to eat bland and heart-healthy foods and to live a healthy lifestyle to minimize and lessen the discomforts caused by the disease.

Both Zasloff and Heller agree that Crohn’s disease will be more manageable in the next coming years. The advancements in medicine makes Crohn’s disease more manageable to many. Hopefully, we will one day understand the exact cause of the disease and personalized medications will soon be available to people suffering from this gastrointestinal disorder.