A type of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. This eMedTV article explains how Crohn's disease affects the digestive system. Symptoms and progression of the disease are also discussed.
The stomach, esophagus, and small intestine are all parts of the digestive system. This page from the eMedTV site explains how this system allows your body to absorb nutrients from food and then remove the leftover waste products.
Crohn's disease can occur anywhere within the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. This eMedTV page discusses Crohn's and the digestive system, including information about where in the digestive tract the disease is most likely to develop.
Researchers have not yet found the exact cause or causes of Crohn's disease. This selection from the eMedTV archives discusses possible causes of this disease, such as infections, heredity, and immune system abnormality.
For most people with Crohn's, symptoms include such things as diarrhea and abdominal pain (or stomach pain). This eMedTV page describes several symptoms and complications that may occur with Crohn's disease, such as intestinal blockages.
After asking the patient several questions, a doctor diagnosing Crohn's disease will do a physical exam. This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at the steps involved in making a Crohn's disease diagnosis and describes tests used in the process.
Relief from Crohn's disease symptoms may include medications, surgery, and lifestyle and dietary changes. This eMedTV page explores these options for Crohn's disease treatment in detail and discusses the risks of not treating the condition.
Examples of drugs used to treat Crohn's disease include sulfasalazine, prednisone, and azathioprine. This eMedTV segment features an in-depth look at medications for Crohn's disease, including how they work and possible side effects.
Surgery for Crohn's disease may involve procedures such as a strictureplasty, a resection, or a colectomy. This eMedTV Web page describes types of Crohn's disease surgery and explains that surgery is not a cure for Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease cannot be cured with a special "Crohn's disease diet." However, as this eMedTV article explains, eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding certain foods may help alleviate symptoms of Crohn's disease.
Lifestyle changes (such as reducing stress) can make Crohn's disease easier to live with. This eMedTV Web page contains suggestions for those dealing with Crohn's disease, such as quitting the use of tobacco products and following a healthy diet.
Some possible complications of Crohn's disease include ulcers, bowel obstructions, and fistulas. This eMedTV article discusses Crohn's complications, including those that occur outside the digestive tract, such as osteoporosis and joint problems.
There is no proven cure for Crohn's disease. In place of a "Crohn's cure," this eMedTV Web page offers strategies for alleviating symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as changing one's diet, taking medications, and avoiding stress.
As discussed in this eMedTV segment, pregnant women with Crohn's disease are most likely to have flare-ups in the first trimester and right after giving birth. This Web page features a discussion of Crohn's and pregnancy.
Researchers are studying several different drugs to see if they are effective for treating Crohn's disease. This eMedTV resource discusses Crohn's disease and research being conducted on drugs to treat it, such as natalizumab and budesonide.
Crohn's disease and osteoporosis are related. As explained in this eMedTV article, people with Crohn's disease are at an increased risk to develop osteoporosis. This article discusses the relationship between Crohn's and osteoporosis.
People with Crohn's disease may be at a higher risk of getting certain forms of cancer. This eMedTV page discusses the possible link between Crohn's disease and cancer, and explains which people with Crohn's may be at the greatest risk for cancer.
Despite advertising claims to the contrary, there are no proven "natural cures for Crohn's disease." This eMedTV article discusses some products touted as natural remedies for this condition and includes factors to consider before trying such products.
