The Cramping Condition: What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is an often debilitating disease that can, without adequate management, very quickly gain control of your life. If you have a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease or if you have been battling it for some time, it is most important that you have a solid understanding of what is Crohn's disease so that you have the best shot at a healthy you.

In the case of Crohn's disease, the gastrointestinal or GI tract becomes horribly inflamed resulting in the symptoms of Crohn's disease. For this reason, Crohn's is known as an inflammatory bowel condition. It may also be referred to as ileitis or enteritis. Most commonly Crohn's disease attacks the lower section of the small intestine known as the Ilium. However, it is important to remember that Crohn's disease can attack any section of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.

The inflammation and edema associated with Crohn's disease runs deep into the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. With the inflammation and edema running so deep, it is easy to understand that this is where the pain associated with Crohn's disease comes from. The diarrhea commonly associated with Crohn's disease is also a result of this deep tissue inflammation. The swelling of the G.I. tract also causes it to frequently empty the contents of the bowel resulting in pain and diarrhea.

Crohn's disease is known to be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. With all sorts of colitis this disease causes inflammation and ulcerations in just the top layer of the lining of the large intestine, which differs from Crohn's disease as it has the potential to affect all layers of the intestinal tract. Also with Crohn's disease there may be sections of normal healthy bowel which can be found between areas of the diseased bowel.

While current research indicates that Crohn's disease is not partial to the guys or the gals, it does seem that Crohn's disease likes the family genetics and can be rather familial. If you have Crohn's disease it is likely that you will also have a blood relative who is also battling some form and inflammatory bowel condition.

Between the various races, African Americans currently seem to be at a decreased risk for developing Crohn's disease; however, people of Jewish descent actually seem to have a higher risk. When looking at the various ages, Crohn's disease seems to most often affect the young adult population, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 30.

Crohn's disease absolutely is not something to be ignored and not something that you can choose to manage on occasion. You must work very closely with your primary health care provider as well as your gastroenterologist in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan best designed for your situation.

While Crohn's disease can certainly heavily impact your life, with an aggressive management plan designed to fit your lifestyle, you have a great shot at learning to manage your symptoms. Just because you have received a diagnosis of Crohn's disease that does not mean that you simply accept it for what it is and give up. You may have some trial and error with the management of your Crohn's disease symptoms, but simply learn to deal with it and fight to regain control of your health.

Crohn's disease is certainly a challenging condition for many people to manage. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, the ongoing battle to control the abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with this inflammatory bowel disease can put a crimp in anybody's style. You simply must work with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician in order to design it best and most livable treatment plan for you.

So just what is Crohn's disease? Well, this chronic inflammatory bowel disease attacks the GI tract, invading some if not all of the layers, and results in severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. What is Crohn's disease? Well, it can be life altering if you allow it! So get with the program and follow the treatment plan designed just for you.

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