Live Symptom Free From Crohn’s Disease
April 18, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease for which the cause is not known. It can affect any part of the gastro-intestinal tract but usually manifests in the lowest part of the small intestine. There is a familial link so often someone else in the immediate family will also be affected.
Crohn’s Disease causes inflammation which extends into the lining of the intestinal wall, causing crampy pain, inhibited absorption of nutrients, rectal bleeding, loss of appetitie and weight loss. Diarrhea is also a common symptom of Crohn’s due to the poor absorptive ability of the inflamed lining.
For definitive diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease it is essential to get tests run from a doctor and/or medical center. It is often difficult to determine between Crohn’s and other Inflammatory Bowel Disorders such as Ulcerative colitis or Irritable Bowel.
Medical treatment for Crohn’s usually involves corticosteroid therapy to deal with the inflammation, immune modulating therapy and surgery for recurrent intestinal obstructions (due to inflammation).
Naturopathic treatment for Crohn’s is also aimed at reducing inflammation. We also look at relieving symptoms of Crohn’s and correcting nutritional deficiencies, all of which help to keep Crohn’s Disease in remission.
A naturopath may recommend Fish oils to aid in reducing inflammation from Crohn’s, and also extraintestinal manifestations such as arthritic inflammation. A study undertaken in Italy showed that people who took fish oils were less likely to have outbreaks from their Crohn’s then those who didn’t. After a year over half who took the fish oil remained symptom free from Crohn’s Disease.
Following an Acid-Alkaline diet is excellent for good health and for inflammation reduction. Chemicals produced in the blood from inflammation can cause damage to joints and provide a feeling of dullness and ill-health. To aid in staying in remission from Crohn’s avoiding alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy and other mucus forming foods can aid in lessening the inflammation. These are all acidic and inflammation causing foods. Include loads of non-acidic fresh or cooked vegetables, drink plenty of fresh, filtered water and herbal teas.
Avoiding or minimizing stress is an essential step to maintaining remission from Crohn’s Disease. Our digestive system is intrinsically linked to our nervous system, and any stress will be felt throughout the GI tract. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety caused by and contributing to Crohn’s outbreaks.
Other ways of minimizing stress, and Crohn’s outbreaks are getting regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep, lots of laughter, and identifying sources stress and avoiding them!!! Any type of change - whether good or bad can cause stress, and make Crohn’s susceptible to flaring up. Getting support from others affected with Crohn’s can be a great stress release and give some now ideas as to how to make lifestyle adjustments that make Crohn’s stay in remission.
There are many treatment options, including diet options, herbal therapy and lifestyle choices that can make living with Crohn’s easy and comfortable. For more information consult your Naturopath or Medical Herbalist.
Thanks to Stephanie Young for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Crohn’s Disease causes inflammation which extends into the lining of the intestinal wall, causing crampy pain, inhibited absorption of nutrients, rectal bleeding, loss of appetitie and weight loss. Diarrhea is also a common symptom of Crohn’s due to the poor absorptive ability of the inflamed lining.
For definitive diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease it is essential to get tests run from a doctor and/or medical center. It is often difficult to determine between Crohn’s and other Inflammatory Bowel Disorders such as Ulcerative colitis or Irritable Bowel.
Medical treatment for Crohn’s usually involves corticosteroid therapy to deal with the inflammation, immune modulating therapy and surgery for recurrent intestinal obstructions (due to inflammation).
Naturopathic treatment for Crohn’s is also aimed at reducing inflammation. We also look at relieving symptoms of Crohn’s and correcting nutritional deficiencies, all of which help to keep Crohn’s Disease in remission.
A naturopath may recommend Fish oils to aid in reducing inflammation from Crohn’s, and also extraintestinal manifestations such as arthritic inflammation. A study undertaken in Italy showed that people who took fish oils were less likely to have outbreaks from their Crohn’s then those who didn’t. After a year over half who took the fish oil remained symptom free from Crohn’s Disease.
Following an Acid-Alkaline diet is excellent for good health and for inflammation reduction. Chemicals produced in the blood from inflammation can cause damage to joints and provide a feeling of dullness and ill-health. To aid in staying in remission from Crohn’s avoiding alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy and other mucus forming foods can aid in lessening the inflammation. These are all acidic and inflammation causing foods. Include loads of non-acidic fresh or cooked vegetables, drink plenty of fresh, filtered water and herbal teas.
Avoiding or minimizing stress is an essential step to maintaining remission from Crohn’s Disease. Our digestive system is intrinsically linked to our nervous system, and any stress will be felt throughout the GI tract. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety caused by and contributing to Crohn’s outbreaks.
Other ways of minimizing stress, and Crohn’s outbreaks are getting regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep, lots of laughter, and identifying sources stress and avoiding them!!! Any type of change - whether good or bad can cause stress, and make Crohn’s susceptible to flaring up. Getting support from others affected with Crohn’s can be a great stress release and give some now ideas as to how to make lifestyle adjustments that make Crohn’s stay in remission.
There are many treatment options, including diet options, herbal therapy and lifestyle choices that can make living with Crohn’s easy and comfortable. For more information consult your Naturopath or Medical Herbalist.
Thanks to Stephanie Young for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Stephanie Young is a renown Naturopath and Medical Herbalist; she has practiced in the field of complementary medicine for 8 years. Visit her CrohnsFree website for tips and strategies on living with Crohn’s Disease.
Crohn’s Disease Treatments and Details
April 4, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
Crohn’s disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family’s history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that “the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body’s immune system may trigger the disease.” Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn’s disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn’s disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn’s Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn’s disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug’s known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn’s disease.
Thanks to Katie Kelley for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Crohn’s disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family’s history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that “the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body’s immune system may trigger the disease.” Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn’s disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn’s disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn’s Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn’s disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug’s known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn’s disease.
Thanks to Katie Kelley for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
For more information on Cimzia and Crohn’s disease, visit http://cimzia.legalview.com or http://www.LegalView.com/. Here, readers can find the latest on other controversial issues such as the latest mesothelioma jury verdicts or the most recent statistics and facts on truck accident injuries.
