Crohns Disease

Crohn’s Disease Answers

By Jarrett Kruse

Crohn's disease is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. The intestinal tract has four major parts: the esophagus, or food tube; the stomach, where food is churned and digested; the long, small bowel, where nutrients, calories, and vitamins are absorbed; and the colon and rectum, where water is absorbed and stool is stored. The Crohn's disease symptoms depend on where in the digestive tract the disorder appears. At times, the pain mimics acute appendicitis. When the colon is the site, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) may occur, along with fever and weight loss. Crohn’s disease often affects the anal area where there may be a draining sinus tract called a fistula.

There are effective medical and surgical Crohn's disease treatment available. It is particularly important to maintain good nutrition and health with a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and a positive, upbeat attitude. Five types of medications are available to treat this disease:

  • Cortisone or Steroids — These powerful drugs provide highly effective results. A large dose is often used initially to bring the disorder under quick control when the disease is severe.
  • Anti-inflammation drugs — sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), Dipentum, Asacol, Rowasa, and Pentasa belong to a group of drugs called the 5-aminosalicylates.
  • Immune System Suppressors — These medications suppress the body’s immune system, which appears to be overly active and somehow aggravates the disease.
  • Infliximab (trade name: Remicade) — This drug is the first of a group of medications that blocks the body’s inflammation response.
  • Antibiotics — Since there is frequently a bacterial infection along with Crohn’s disease, antibiotics are often used to treat this problem.

There are no foods known to actually injure the bowel. However, during an acute phase of Crohn’s, bulky foods, milk, and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping. Generally, there is no Chron's disease diet but the patient is advised to eat a well-balanced diet, with adequate protein and calories. Complications of Crohn’s disease may stem from anything from diverticulitis to a perforated colon. This does not mean you are likely to see these conditions together but there is an off chance that you may be susceptible to other colon issues if you already suffer from Crohn’s.