Crohn's Disease Information

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to crohn's disease information including topics such as living with crohn's disease, crohn's and osteoporosis, and crohn's disease treatment. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Crohn's Disease Information

Crohn's disease is a condition that can cause inflammation and other problems 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.

As this eMedTV Web page explains, the digestive system allows your body to absorb nutrients from food (to use for energy, growth, and repairs), and then remove the leftover waste products. This article provides an overview of the digestive system.

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 Crohn's disease causes, 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 some Crohn's 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.

Treatment options for Crohn's disease 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 seeking treatment for Crohn's.

Examples of drugs used to treat Crohn's disease include sulfasalazine, prednisone, and azathioprine. This eMedTV segment features an in-depth look at Crohn's disease medications, such as mesalamine and infliximab.

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.

There is no "Crohn's disease diet" that can prevent or cure Crohn's disease. As explained in this eMedTV article, however, 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 living with Crohn's disease easier. This eMedTV Web page contains suggestions for those living 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 cures for Crohn's disease and lists factors to consider before trying such products.