Crohn's Disease

What is it

Crohn’s Disease, chronic in nature, is a category of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) that results in swollen and irritated digestive tract. It mostly occurs in the small intestine and uncommonly in the colon, part of the large intestine. However, it can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. If the disease keeps spreading (no care given), inflammation will spread into the deeper layers of the bowel.

Severity/Complications:

Some patients are symptom-free and can be undiagnosed for years. Others might experience painful and life-threatening complications. Bowel obstructions affect the thickness of the intestinal wall, leaving scars behind, which block the natural flow of digestive contents (stricture). Open sores (ulcers) can occur in any place in the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It can result in malnutrition, which often develops into anemia (low iron) or insufficient vitamin B-23. Patients are at higher risk of colon cancer, especially people whose affected area is in the colon. Colonoscopy and yearly checkups are recommended to prevent further complications. The disease also introduces medical risks, as some medications can result in worsening or irritations of the stomach lining. Sometimes, Crohn’s patients are at increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries.

Symptoms:

The range is from mild to severe. They can develop gradually or occur without warning. Oftentimes, patients experience many periods of remission (no signs or symptoms)

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Anemia
Fatigue

What causes it?

Tarkan, Laurie. Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis affect different parts of the GI tract. 21 Nov. 2022. Ira Daniel Breite. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Most patients are unsure of the cause of the disease. Some professionals suspect the immune system, containing the virus and bacteria, might trigger the disease. It might occur when the immune system tries to fight an unhealthy factor (invading microorganism/environmental factors) and the immune response accidentally also causes the immune system to attack digestive tract cells (good cells). In addition, patients who have a family history also develop this disease.

Risk factors, such as age, ethnicity, and medication also have a role to play in causing or triggering the disease. Crohn's disease can occur at any age but is commonly diagnosed when patients are young, before 30 years of a

ge. Major ethnicities that house most cases of Crohn's disease include Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and migrants to the United States. To add on, Non-Steroidal and anti-inflammatory, such as medication Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium can trigger or irritate the bowel.

Treatment

Currently, no cure is developed, although much research continues as cases become more common. So far, some medicine has helped decrease the severity and effects of the disease, but not eliminate it.

Ayurvedic Medication (an Indian medicine), helps improve bowel movements, relieve constipation, and detoxify the body. A common medication used for gut health is Triphala. However, the specific medication for a patient is based on their Dosha. Here is a fun quiz to identify your Dosha: Dosha Quiz - Ayurveda Body Type. More information on Dosha, their meaning, and uses can be found here: What Are the Ayurveda Doshas? Vata, Kapha, and Pitta Explained

Western Medicine, often referred to as BioMedicine, is also used for Crohn's disease patients. Steroids and immunosuppressive drugs are given, which suppress symptoms and the immune system respectively.

Some patients are able to get into remission through diet. A common diet plan follows a 3 phase diet that lasts over 12 - 15 months. The first [hase is the most restrictive, which cuts on soy, dairy, wheat, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. This first phase is essential in decreasing the inflammation in the digestive tract. Slowly, more foods are introduced, such as cooked vegetables and non-citric fruits. The third phase is often followed for a patient's life span, in which dairy, wheat, and soy are introduced but are recommended to be consumed in low amounts. However, flare-ups can occur unexpectedly, which can lead to a patient going back to phase 1 for just a few days until they achieve remission again.

Citations: