A bird’s eye view of Crohn’s Disease

Overview -

Crohn’s disease is a disorder of the intestine. This disorder is generally known to affect the digestive tract; and will cause for an inflammatory sensation. The digestive tract is also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease is known to affect a person anywhere on the GI tract – be it from the mouth to where the excreta get disposed from. This condition is most often known to affect the small intestine – which is called the ileum. This area might get affected by a swelling and this will extend to the depths of the lining which surrounds the affected organ. This kind of a swelling could cause for pain; or it might even make the intestines empty frequently.

Other Intestinal Disorders and Crohn’s Disease -

Crohn’s disease, then, falls under the category of inflammatory bowel diseases; and has symptoms that are similar to other intestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome). The similarity of symptoms ends up making it extremely difficult to diagnose this disorder early on and accurately. Ulcerative colitis is known to cause for an inflammation of the topmost layer in the larger intestine’s lining. In the case of Crohn’s disease, all the layers of the intestine might get involved. There could also be some normal healthy bowel which might be found interspersing the diseased bowel.

Prevalence -

Crohn’s disease is said to affect both men and equally; while some families might have it run from generation to generation.  In most cases of Crohn’s disease, a direct blood relative might be affected by some form of an intestinal disorder. Although there is no specific age range for this disease, it is said to be the most common between the ages of 20 to 30.

The Causes of Crohn’s Disease –

There have been a number of theories that have seen the light of day, when it comes to being associated with the Crohn’s disease; but none of them stood to stand the test of time. None of them have been proven as being worthy of this intestinal disorder.

The immune system of the human body is said to be made up of cells.  There are a number of different proteins which are said to protect people from infection. The most popular of all these theories is the one that claims that this immune system of the human body begins mistaking food and other bacteria as being alien, when a person gets affected by Crohn’s disease. The method of ‘attacking’ these foreign invaders would be for the body to cause for the accumulation of white blood cells in the lining of the intestines. These white blood cells are what are responsible for the chronic inflammation. This is what leads to the subsequent ulceration. It could, in some cases, cause for bowel injury.

Some scientists continue to debate whether the mistaking of bacteria for foreign attackers by the human immune system is in fact a cause or an effect of Crohn’s disease. But no adequate research has been produced on the topic.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease –

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Skin problems
• Arthritis
• Fever
• Persistent bleeding which could lead to anemia
• Stunted growth and delayed development (in case of children)