Chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, Crohn’s disease continues to declare himself now since 1932. Since the Dr.BURRIL B. Crohn observed this phenomenon for the first time.
Characterized by seizures and / or diarrhea that can last several months, the disease is increasingly prevalent in the world especially in industrialized countries.
Most people with the disease live periods of remission that can last several months. Sometimes the symptoms are of an intensity so high that hospitalization is necessary (inability to eat, severe pain, diarrhea, etc …)
What causes disease?
The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. It seems increasingly clear that inflammation is likely autoimmune (body = victim’s own immune defenses)
The genes of dozens of families with Crohn’s disease is common have been studied by researchers. These investigations have uncovered sites that indicate a genetic susceptibility to suffer from this disease, located on chromosomes 12 and 16.
Heredity is not decisive. Other factors are necessary for the disease to occur.
It was long thought that stress could trigger seizures. However, studies so far reject this hypothesis. Smoking may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Is it serious?
Crohn’s disease is not usually fatal but can cause various health problems:
- Malnutrition, because during the crisis people tend to eat less.
- Growth retardation in children and adolescents.
- Iron deficiency anemia (= decrease in the number of red cells in the blood) due to bleeding and poor absorption of iron in food.
- Other health problems like arthritis, skin diseases, eye inflammation, mouth ulcers, kidney stones or gallstones.
- When is “active” phase, the disease increases the risk of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women. It can impede growth of the fetus. It is therefore important to women wishing to become pregnant well control their disease through treatment.
Symptoms of the disease
- Frequent abdominal pain, accentuated after a meal
- Cramps of varying intensity
- Chronic diarrhea as appropriate
- Fatigue
- A poor appetite and weight loss, even with a balanced diet
- Pain in joints
Crohn’s disease is unfortunately a disease for life. Currently it can relieve symptoms but not treat it completely.
The diagnosis can be very difficult to accept but thanks to good treatment, it is possible to continue to lead your life as you wish, without restriction. The disease should not prevent you from eating your taste, work, enjoy recreation and to found a family. It is the goal, but it requires excellent collaborative patient / physician.
Through research, we can keep hoping that one day we can cure Crohn’s disease definitively.
Tags: causes disease, Characterized by seizures, Crohn's disease, the disease is increasingly prevalent
