Adults living with Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, nonspecific, idiopathic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease first reported by Dr. Burrill Bernard Crohn in 1932 (Chen, 2000). Crohn's disease can attack any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus (Figure I), but most commonly affects the lower portion of the small intestine or the colon. Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition that may move in and out of remission. It presents with multiple complications, both from the disease process itself and from the drugs taken to induce remission. In persons with Crohn's disease, the gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed and weak, making digestion difficult, leading to a variety of conditions often resulting in general physical debility (Life Extension, 2003). Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a blood relative with some form of Intestinal Bowel Disease (IBD) (NDDIC, 2003). Crohn's disease usually begins before age 35, with peak incidence between 14-24 (Chen, 2000).Although patients can treat the symptoms of Crohn's Disease, at the present there is no cure, nor definitive cause. The most popular theory is that Crohn's is an autoimmune
Other complications associated with Crohn's disease include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system (NDDIC, 2003). A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. Some people who have Crohn's disease in the large intestine need to have their entire colon removed in an operation called colectomy. Therefore, suppression of the inflammation is key to decreasing the injurious effects that the immune system inflicts on the Crohn's patient (Life Extension, 2003). Remicade is an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) substance. Electrolyte imbalance is common with severe diarrhea. Lastly, fatty liver or cholangitis may cause liver enzyme abnormalities. Other laboratory exams help assess the severity of the illness. response to a virus or bacterium causing inflammation (NDDIC, 2003). As inflammation continues, patients may develop a palpable right lower quadrant mass or fullness that mimics appendicitis. Drug therapy can be problematic because of the potential for difficulties associated with side effects. If Crohn's disease does not respond to treatment with drugs and diet, surgery may be recommended as a last resort to correct complications such as blockage, perforation, abscess, or bleeding in the intestine. Treatment may include a combination of drugs, nutrition supplements, or surgery (NDDIC, 2003). Anti-diarrheal agents may be taken for mild bouts of diarrhea, as well as anti-spasmodics for cramping. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune system attacks a part of the intestine, further resulting in thinning of the bowel wall, leading to scarring, thickness, abnormal bowel function, and malabsorption of nutrients.
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