What is Crohn's Disease

When diarrhea becomes a daily occurrence it is time to seek out immediate medical help. Chronic diarrhea is a symptom of other more troubling ailments including Crohn's Disease. This illness, says conventional wisdom, is not yet curable, but is a chronic and recurring situation that will plague the sufferer for the rest of their life. It involves swelling and inflammation of the entire gastrointestinal and digestive tract.

All parts of the GI tract can be affected, from the mouth to the anus. Sometimes the urinary system is also compromised. However, most people commonly suffer discomfort in the lower part of the small intestine and the upper part of the colon. When swelling is triggered in the intestinal wall then stomach pain, cramping and diarrhea result.

Some people suffer through one episode and then go into remission with no more symptoms. Others, however, experience the problems over and over, every time they try to eat something. In addition to the swelling, fever and blood in the stool may also show up as well as vomiting. Crohn's is not a life threatening ailments. But the complications resulting from it may be fatal if not treated quickly and properly. Most Crohn's sufferers learn to manage their illness by making minor lifestyle changes, diet changes and using prescribed medications. Many of these medications come with serious side effects of their own.

Crohn's Disease affects both men and women with the disease developing usually around the age of 15-35. It is more prominent in whites but can affect all ethnic groups. Jews and European whites are the most afflicted. It is an ailment that runs in families with 20% of all people who suffer having a sibling, parent, or other relative also afflicted. Another risk factor is living in an urban or industrialized area with a northern climate. Scientists and researchers speculate there is a heavy connection between pollutants and toxins in the environment and all chronic diseases including Crohn's. In addition a low or compromised immune system also plays heavily into the equation. Crohn's is also compromised and complicated by bacteria, so it is very important to eliminate all sources of bacteria from your environment. Researchers agree that eliminating the triggers will go a long way in helping a Crohn's Disease sufferer to manage their ailment.

In addition to managing the ailment it is important to have a strong support system made up of your health care provider, friends and family and support groups to help you over the recurring humps indemnic in this disease. Looking at both conventional treatments as well as blossoming alternatives may hold the answer you're seeking for beating Crohn's Disease.