Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, involving ongoing inflammation and ulceration of the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. It may be limited to segments of the small intestine (usually the ileum) or involves both the ileum and the colon (ileocolitis). If confined to the colon it is called Crohn's colitis. Sometimes it may cause inflammation in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, appendix or anus.

Symptoms depend on what part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. They can range from mild to severe and can come and go with periods of flare-ups. This can include:

• crampy abdominal pain
• persistant watery diarrhoea
• fever
• fatigue
• rectal bleeding and bloody stools
• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss
• constipation
• abdominal fullness and gas
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• foul smelling stools
• pain with passing of stool
• fistulas around the rectal area causing pus
• liver inflammation
• joint pain
• skin rash
• swollen gums
• eye inflammation
• kidney stones
• clotting problems such as deep vein thrombosis

To help manage symptoms, small frequent meals are encouraged, with healthy amounts of calories, vitamins and protein to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. Foods that aggravate diarrhoea should be avoided as should milk products or raw foods if there is a tendency for upset when ingesting these.

Physical examination for diagnosis may include stethoscope to listen to the intestinal tract activity, endoscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel biopsy, small bowel x-ray, or stool test. Liver function tests may also be conducted.

Many theories abound about the causes of IBD. It is clear that the condition is linked to an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation (otherwise called an autoimmune disorder). This is whereby the immune system can't differentiate between good substances and foreign invaders. While genes seem to play a role in the development of Crohn's disease, cigarette smoking and intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appear to significantly increase risk.

Medical treatment often involves corticosteroids, antibiotics of immune modulators and at last resort surgery involving a bowel resection may be needed to remove the diseased part of the intestine or to drain an abscess. Sometimes the entire large intestine (colon) is removed, which is called a colectomy.

Natural therapies have an immense amount to offer in the treatment of Crohn's disease. As always, prescriptions must be tailored to suit individual symptoms and underlying causes and difficulties the person is experiencing. Due to inflammation of the small intestine, sufferers will have reduced absorption of essential nutrients, further aggravating their illness. Common deficiencies include iron, zinc, calcium, folate and vitamin B12. A Practitioner will work with the patient to increase their digestive tract's capacity to break down food and increase absorption of nutrients with use of herbs and supplements to soothe, and reduce inflammation. Healtheries Musseltone with Omega 3 will provide gastro-protective effects while helping reduce inflammation. Aussie Bodies Perfect Protein would also prove beneficial as a gentle source of protein and nutrients, delivered in an easy assimilated formula. Finally, immune modulating herbs and antimicrobial factors may also be necessary to manage infection and flare ups.

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