Crohn’s Disease can strike at any age; however, it is most prevalent in people in their early twenties and during their 70’s and 80’s. Although this is a disease that causes gastrointestinal problems, it can cause arthritis, eye inflammation, and skin rashes. Crohn’s Disease and cancer are rare but can occur usually in instances where one has had Crohn’s Disease for several years.
First of all, let’s try and understand exactly what Crohn’s Disease is. Starting in the digestive tract, it can cause a variety of ailments. Mouth sores are common when suffering from this disease. Weight loss and abdominal pain are also results of Crohn’s Disease. Some people may experience diarrhea, fever, and in rare occasions liver problems.
After the digestive tract is affected, a person’s immune system can cause it to become inflamed. This in turn causes problems with the intestines, which is what causes symptoms to appear. Food can also contribute to this problem.
Although it is not known exactly what causes this disease, it is believed that it is inherited. It does seem to run in families. Studies have been conducted to see if a cause could be attributed to the sufferer’s surroundings or an infection they may have had. However, none of these studies produced results.
Crohn’s Disease and cancer can occur if regular screenings of the colon are not performed. This is why it is very important to have regular check ups if you have this disease.
Symptoms can alert your doctor to do tests to see if you have Crohn’s Disease. Weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and eye redness are all problems that you can have in addition to the digestive tract inflammation. Although many of these symptoms are results of other problems, only testing by your doctor can tell for sure what your problem is.
There are treatments for Crohn’s Disease that can put this illness in remission. There are many that are used to treat Crohn’s Disease, depending upon the symptoms and the whereabouts in the digestive tract. The most common treatments include the use of Sulfasalazine, Pentasa, and Asaco.
Since it takes these drugs approximately four weeks to work totally, many people have trouble paying for them. They are quite expensive. However, they are very effective at keeping the disease under control and in remission.
Naturally, people are concerned with Crohn’s Disease and cancer. They believe these two are irrevocably linked. However regular check-ups with your doctor can keep track of this for you. Tests done on a routine basis can catch this problem almost before it can occur. This is very important because you need to rest and take care of yourself when you have Crohn’s Disease. No need for worries before there is a real reason to worry. There is a risk of developing colorectal cancer in areas which are inflamed. Typically, this risk is quite a bit less until you have had Crohn’s Disease for several years.
Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so have regular checkups, take your medicine, and follow up with your doctor. Crohn’s Disease does not have to become a real problem unless you allow it.
* There are many more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease symptoms here:
Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide
