what is chrones disease?

Question

my doctor tested me for it yesterday and told me that i might have it but he didnt say exactly what it is. can anyone help?

Answer 1

What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. 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 IBD, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn's disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis. The Aloe Mucillaginous Polysaccharide molecules in AloeElite naturally control inflammation and help to mend the tissue that has been damaged, healing the ulcerations throughout the digestive tract over time. By controlling the inflammation, AloeElite helps to control the excessive bowel movements, or diarrhea, that so often accompany the disease. Whether the disease is localized or widespread throughout the digestive tract, AloeElite addresses the problem, as it supports the immune system and works throughout the digestive tract, from mouth to rectum. AloeElite can be used by children and adults of all ages, in all states of health.
What causes Crohn's disease?
Theories about what causes Crohn's disease abound, but none has been proven. The most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine. People with Crohn's disease tend to have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or result of the disease. Crohn's disease is not caused by emotional distress. For more information on the role of stress and diet for people with Crohn's disease, visit the Health and Wellness page of our website. It includes information and tips, which may help bring you to a place where your health is more under your control.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn's disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. When using AloeElite, you may find that the abdominal pain is the first symptom to subside. As your body begins to digest foods in a more efficient manner and you are able to absorb the nutrients in your diet, fatigue and weight loss decrease. Bloody diarrhea is typically the last symptom to go, but it does go. Remember, AloeElite is not masking symptoms. It addresses the disease via the immune system. It takes time to control the severe inflammation that causes the bloody diarrhea, but in time, typically by the second or third month, the diarrhea starts to ease. Bowel movements become firmer, less frequent and less painful. As the inflammation in the digestive tract lessens, people often note improvements in their general health, as the functions of the immune system normalize naturally.
How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn's disease. Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines. The doctor may do an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the patient drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine. The doctor may also do a colonoscopy. For this test, the doctor inserts an endoscope--a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor--into the anus to see the inside of the large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding. During the exam, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.
If these tests show Crohn's disease, more x rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much is affected by the disease.
What are the complications of Crohn's disease?
The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. Nutritional complications are common in Crohn's disease. Deficiencies of proteins, calories, and vitamins are well documented in Crohn's disease. These deficiencies may be caused by inadequate dietary intake, intestinal loss of protein, or poor absorption (malabsorption). 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. Some of these problems resolve during treatment for disease in the digestive system, but some must be treated separately. AleoElite can help prevent blockage by reducing the swelling in the intestines. It also helps to heal the ulcerations and the damaged tissue in the bowel. The Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide molecules work as a natural antibiotic, which is particularly crucial for people with fistulas. By bringing the body to a more normal functioning level, AloeElite allows the body to absorb more vitamins and minerals, averting the conditions associated with malabsorption. As a potent anti-inflammatory, conditions like arthritis are also improved and aloe is naturally nourishing to skin.
What is the treatment for Crohn's disease?
Treatment for Crohns disease varies, but most people are prescribed medications. In severe cases, a patient may need surgery to remove sections of the diseased bowel. Surgery should not be considered lightly and is only an option in the most serious of cases, when all other routes have been exhausted. Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person's lifetime. Predicting when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return is not possible. AloeElite can help lengthen periods of remission by naturally supporting the immune system, bringing the body to a more normal functioning level. Some people whose symptoms are triggered by certain foods are able to control the symptoms by avoiding foods that upset their intestines, like highly seasoned foods, raw fruits and vegetables, or milk sugar (see our Health and Wellness section). Each person may experience Crohn’s disease differently, so treatment is adjusted for each individual. Emotional and psychological support is important.
Someone with Crohn's disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition. If you are looking for alternative medical care from a naturopathic physician, visit our Health and Wellness section for a list of doctors in your area. If you have already lost part of your digestive tract, you can still use AloeElite to address current issues, avoid future problems and to improve your general health.
Drug Therapy
Most people are first treated with drugs containing mesalamine, a substance that helps control inflammation. Sulfasalazine is the most commonly used of these drugs. Patients who do not benefit from it or who cannot tolerate it may be put on other mesalamine-containing drugs, generally known as 5-ASA agents, such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa. Possible side effects of mesalamine preparations include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache.
Some patients take corticosteroids to control inflammation. These drugs are the most effective for active Crohn's disease, but they can cause serious side effects, including greater susceptibility to infection. Drugs that suppress the immune system are also used to treat Crohn's disease. Most commonly prescribed are 6-mercaptopurine and a related drug, azathioprine. Immunosuppressive agents work by blocking the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation. These drugs may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and may lower a person's resistance to infection. When patients are treated with a combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, the dose of corticosteriods can eventually be lowered. Some studies suggest that immunosuppressive drugs may enhance the effectiveness of corticosteroids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug infliximab (brand name, Remicade) for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease that does not respond to standard therapies (mesalamine substances, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents) and for the treatment of open, draining fistulas. Infliximab, the first treatment approved specifically for Crohn's disease, is an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) substance. TNF is a protein produced by the immune system that may cause the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF removes TNF from the bloodstream before it reaches the intestines, thereby preventing inflammation. Investigators will continue to study patients taking infliximab to determine its long-term safety and efficacy. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine caused by stricture, fistulas, or prior surgery. For this common problem, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, sulfonamide, cephalosporin, tetracycline, or metronidazole. Diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain are often relieved when the inflammation subsides, but additional medication may also be necessary. Several antidiarrheal agents could be used, including diphenoxylate, loperamide, and codeine. Patients who are dehydrated because of diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes. Remember to always research the side effects of the pharmaceuticals you are prescribed so that you will be prepared and aware should the side effects surface.
Drugs can be a crucial tool in controlling emergency outbreaks and flare-ups of Crohn's disease. Many clients of AloeElite are using different pharmaceuticals along with the AloeElite when they first start taking our product. There are no contraindications whatsoever and, regardless of the drug, AloeElite can safely supplement and any pharmaceutical regimen. However, the goal of most of our clients is to slowly wein off of the drugs. This can typically be achieved through a slow, steady and conscientious process of listening to the body. If you feel like the drugs are no longer needed, you may decide it is time to start weining down.

Nutrition Supplementation
The doctor may recommend nutritional supplements, especially for children whose growth has been slowed. Special high-calorie liquid formulas are sometimes used for this purpose. A small number of patients may need periods of feeding by vein. This can help patients who need extra nutrition temporarily, those whose intestines need to rest, or those whose intestines cannot absorb enough nutrition from food. AloeElite is safe and effective for children and adults of all ages in all states of health.
Can diet control Crohn's disease?
While no special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating this disease, many of our clients have found that by putting the least amount of stress possible on the digestive system, they are able to avoid irritation, inflammation and the resulting diarrhea. Some people find their symptoms are made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, or fiber. For a more complete list of foods that are easy to digest, foods to avoid and dietary tips, visit the Health and Wellness section of our website. page. People should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor's advice.

Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn's disease?
Research has shown that the course of pregnancy and delivery is usually not impaired in women with Crohn's disease. Even so, women with Crohn's disease should discuss the matter with their doctors before pregnancy. Most children born to women with Crohn's disease are unaffected. Children who do get the disease are sometimes more severely affected than adults, with slowed growth and delayed sexual development in some cases.
AloeElite is safe for women in all stages of pregnancy. It is not an herb, which can have potential side effects. AloeElite is classified as a food product, in the same category as a potato or a banana and is completely non-toxic. Addressing Crohn's Disease Naturally with AloeElite
AloeElite is a healing supplement that benefits every cell, tissue and organ in the body. For people with Crohn's disease, the healing ingredient in AloeElite (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide) works as a potent anti-inflammatory, it helps to eliminate diarrhea, it brings the body to a more normal functioning level, it acts as an intercellular antioxidant, detoxifying the body naturally, it rebuilds and repairs the protective mucosa lining throughout the digestive tract and mends the damaged tissue from mouth to rectum. It aids digestion, enabling better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food, it balances and restores proper immune system function and the aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides contain antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Most of our clients use AloeElite for moderate to severe Crohn's. When used as directed, we have a 97% to 98% success rate.

For More Information
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.
386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016-8804
Phone: [phone] or [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.ccfa.org

Pediatric Crohn's & Colitis Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 188
Newton, MA 02468
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: http://pcca.hypermart.net

Reach Out for Youth with Ileitis and Colitis, Inc.
15 Chemung Place
Jericho, NY 11753
Phone: [phone]

United Ostomy Association, Inc.
19772 MacArthur Blvd.
#200
Irvine, CA 92612-2405
Phone: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.uoa.org

Answer 2

Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

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 inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn’s disease.

Answer 3

Crohn's Disease
Other Names: Regional enteritis, regional ileitis, granulomatous colitis, inflammatory bowel disease
Prevalence in USA: 1 million (includes 100,000 children); 15.000 new cases annually.
Age Group: Onset from infancy to 25 years of age; 15% to 30% have onset before puberty. Peak incidence is from 10 to 25 years of age.
Male to Female Ratio: Slightly more common in females.
Principal Features: An intermittent to chronic disorder of the small intestine and colon; one third of cases occur in the lowe segment of the small intestine (the ileum), one third in the colon and one third in both. Less than 50% of cases involve the rectum. The onset is usually insidious, but may be rapid and resemble acute appendicitis. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, loss of weight, abdominal cramps and pain after eating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally bloody), anal sores and retarded growth in children. There may also be inflammatory disorders in the skin, eyes, mouth and large joints. Children may experience fever and joint pains before any indications of disease in the intestine or colon. Adults may have a higher incidence of gallstones or kidney stones. This disorder often recurs throughout life. Caution: The early manifestations of Crohn's disease may vary. Loss of appetite and weight may lead to the mistaken diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
Causes: The primary cause is unknown. There is a familial clustering in 15% to 20% of cases. It is thought that an inherited susceptibility may predispose to unknown environmental factors capable of inducing the disorder.
Drugs That Can Cause This Disorder:
By altering the normal balance of bacteria in the intestine, several antibiotics can cause a form of enteritis that might resemble Crohn's disease. These include some of the tetracyclines, penicillin and chloramphenicol. Antibiotic-induced enteritisis transient and easilt corrected; no permanent damage occurs.The vitamin A derivatives etretinate (Tegison) and isotretinoin (Accutane) have been reported to cause Crohn's disease.

Answer 4

People who plan their weekly meals are usually successful at losing weight than people who don’t. Plan your dishes to add in healthy carbs such as nice potato and wholegrain pasta, greens and lean proteins, buy the many ingredients in advance and don’t be tempted to enjoy out or order in.

Answer 5

Suck that in. Consciously hold in and contract your ab muscles while you’re walking, sitting at the desk or making the dinner. This will help to strengthen your abdominals and your core, and create for you one step closer to a new flatter stomach.

Answer 6

Eat muesli two hours before working out to boost fat burning while you train. Slow to digest, muesli takes longer to obtain through your system, so is less likely to end up turned into fat and still will give you a good energy boost.

Answer 7

Beans, beans, are good for your heart, the more you eat the more you... lose weight actually. Super-effective and full connected with fibre, beans will regulate your appetite and decrease the rate at which your stomach empties, meaning you continue to be fuller for longer.

Answer 8

Suck the item in. Consciously hold in and contract your abdominals while you’re walking, sitting at the desk or making the an evening meal. This will help to strengthen your abdominals and your core, and enable you to get one step closer to any flatter stomach.

Answer 9

Eat goats cheese rather then regular cheese. It contains 40 % fewer calories than the cheese made out of cow’s milk.

Answer 10

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/

see this website for acurate information on crohn's