what is crohn's disease?

Answer 1

hi, I am a fellow crohnie diagnosed at age 12 & have lived with it for 27 yrs. Crohn's disease aka IBD-inflammatory bowel disease-- is inflammation of the mucous lining of the gut. It can affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, & anus.

There is no known cure but a Crohn's gene was found on NOD7 a few yrs. ago (more information on that is found on the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America site).

When there is a flare up, it causes narrowing at times, thus blockages can occur. Also, spasms can happen as well as side effects from the medications that can affect the liver, pancreas, & eyes. Crohnies are also prone to clotting when a flare up happens. It tends to get "sticky" due to the inflammatory receptors in the blood. That is why females are advised to avoid ALL types of birthcontrol w/hormones in them because it will raise your risk over 90% to throw a clot. ( It happened to me when I was 21. I was anemic due to CD, the gyn told me to take the pill--threw clot 4 days later--on coumadin for 1 yr. the GI was upset b/c Gyn should've known better..female crohnies CAN'T TAKE THEM. Natural Family Planning is a safer alternative and can be used by women who have irregular cycles or serious illnesses like ours. My husband & I learned about it via a local hospital & were trained how to track our fertiliity by an NFP instructor. It's easy to learn, easy to use, it's 100% safe, won't interact w/medications, & can be used to achieve/avoid a pregnancy.

It does require commitment to use this but isn't your life worth it? you have so much to gain & nothing to lose unlike the pill where it causes breakthrough bleeding/ovulation, pregnancy, drug interactions, blood clots, stroke, weight gain, & mood swings.

CCFA recently implemented a toll free support system manned by professionals who have experience w/IBD. You can call them M-F 9 am - 5 pm EST.

Also, check out the ccfa site to find a local chapter near you where you can find others like yourself & swap stories.

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

I have hads crohns for about 5 years now. Everyone reacts in different ways to different foods, but personally for me it is quite 'wet' foods, such as a roast dinner with gravy, or soup, or spaghetti bolognaise - imagine any food that would make a terrible mess if a plate of it were dropped - thats me. This won't (or shouldn't) concern you, but a note to remember when you're older is ALCOHOL - no good for you. It's such a shame having a disease like this, I was just over a year older than you are now when you were diagnosed. I probably don't let it affect me/my lifestyle as much as I should, I still eat and drink what I want whenever I want, but believe me sometimes it does not seem worth it! In time, you will come to realise which foods are good for you personally and which aren't. Try to keep a diary or something, I did!

Answer 4

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the can effect the entire digestive tract but usually the terminal illieum (last part of the small intestines) and the colon.

People who suffer from Crohn's disease can experience chronic diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, fever, and rectal bleeding.

There currently is no cure for the disease, medication and surgery are used to control the symptoms.

Patients usually experience periods of no symptoms (remission) in between flare ups (relapse).

Steroids are often prescribed to people with moderate to severe symptoms.

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

It's a disease of the bowel, mostly lower. It creates growths that get infected, and bleed quite heavily at times. It's a very painful disease. Specific symptoms vary from person to person. It is an autoimmune disease, which mean the immune system does not recognize it for what it is. There are medications that help, but sometimes, unfortunately, surgery must be performed. Surgery may be performed to remove part, or all of the lower bowel. An extended surgery to remove the entire lower bowel causes the need for a bag to be attached to the side in order to catch excrement. That's all I can remember right now, but I know that at least this much is accurate. My dad has it.
blessed be

Answer 7

definition:
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus (the end of the rectum).
to read more:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000249.htm
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/index.htm

Answer 8

It's a disease of your digestive system where you get the runs a lot (sometimes bloody runs).

Answer 9

idk