Inflammatory Bowel Disease represents more than one illness, but is frequently used in reference to two similar disorders of the digestive tract which are serious, chronic, very painful and disruptive. People who are affected by these illnesses need to know precisely what Crohn's Disease and Colitis are in order to effectively combat the results. A number of victims share the common genetic factor of a northern European heritage.
Colitis is usually unpredictable. It may flare unexpectedly, bringing about great intestinal discomfort and then go into a variable period of remission. The intensity of the disorder differs widely by individual. Whilst not most commonly fatal, it may result in dangerous complications including blood loss, perforated colon, dehydration, kidney stones, inflammation of non-digestive joints or organs and even an increased risk of developing cancer.
Diagnosis is based on physical location inside the intestines which is most usually in the lower or sigmoid colon. It attacks a continuous intestinal segment, inflaming the inner lining. Whilst some symptoms can mimic other potentially acute illnesses, if normal bowel habits suddenly begin to change, accompanied by bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever, there is definite cause for concern.
The factors triggering a flareup used to be linked primarily to stress. increased, stress is no longer believed to be the primary reason but more of a contributor. A number of researchers today believe that an overly aggressive immune system response to an unknown antigen causes the body to attack its own organs. It may be triggered by a virus, bacteria, an allergen, or even nothing at all. It tends to run in families indicating there can be a hereditary issue.
Crohn's Disease also primarily affects related individuals. The symptoms are similar, including painful abdominal cramping, intense diarrhoea and most commonly bleeding. However, inflammation patterns are different and are usually located throughout the digestive tract rather than being concentrated in the lower colon. It may reason trouble at any point from the mouth to the rectal opening and may stunt growth or cause delayed sexual development in children.
Remissions are normal between bouts, allowing a more normal lifestyle. However, when complications occur they may be serious and may result in anal fissures, or bleeding tears in the rectal tissues that factor great discomfort moving the bowels. Chronic inflammation also increases the chance of developing fistulas, which are narrow channels through the intestinal tissue or outer skin that drain waste and infection abnormally.
Both of these comparable afflictions are termed idiopathic which simply means that the real factors are still largely unknown. What is certain is that the immune system is involved in both, causing the body to turn on itself even when no obvious cause exists. Current treatments attempt to suppress that response without causing other problems and there are ongoing clinical programs involving experimental drug therapies.
Eating a healthier diet is always important, but may not prevent a Colitis flareup. However, certain foods do actually cause difficulty for Crohn's sufferers as does tension or excess stress. Figuring out exactly what Colitis and Crohn's Disease are helps many people control their symptoms more effectively. Whilst the two forms of inflammation are similar, being correctly diagnosed is an important first step toward living a more comfortable life.
Colitis is usually unpredictable. It may flare unexpectedly, bringing about great intestinal discomfort and then go into a variable period of remission. The intensity of the disorder differs widely by individual. Whilst not most commonly fatal, it may result in dangerous complications including blood loss, perforated colon, dehydration, kidney stones, inflammation of non-digestive joints or organs and even an increased risk of developing cancer.
Diagnosis is based on physical location inside the intestines which is most usually in the lower or sigmoid colon. It attacks a continuous intestinal segment, inflaming the inner lining. Whilst some symptoms can mimic other potentially acute illnesses, if normal bowel habits suddenly begin to change, accompanied by bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever, there is definite cause for concern.
The factors triggering a flareup used to be linked primarily to stress. increased, stress is no longer believed to be the primary reason but more of a contributor. A number of researchers today believe that an overly aggressive immune system response to an unknown antigen causes the body to attack its own organs. It may be triggered by a virus, bacteria, an allergen, or even nothing at all. It tends to run in families indicating there can be a hereditary issue.
Crohn's Disease also primarily affects related individuals. The symptoms are similar, including painful abdominal cramping, intense diarrhoea and most commonly bleeding. However, inflammation patterns are different and are usually located throughout the digestive tract rather than being concentrated in the lower colon. It may reason trouble at any point from the mouth to the rectal opening and may stunt growth or cause delayed sexual development in children.
Remissions are normal between bouts, allowing a more normal lifestyle. However, when complications occur they may be serious and may result in anal fissures, or bleeding tears in the rectal tissues that factor great discomfort moving the bowels. Chronic inflammation also increases the chance of developing fistulas, which are narrow channels through the intestinal tissue or outer skin that drain waste and infection abnormally.
Both of these comparable afflictions are termed idiopathic which simply means that the real factors are still largely unknown. What is certain is that the immune system is involved in both, causing the body to turn on itself even when no obvious cause exists. Current treatments attempt to suppress that response without causing other problems and there are ongoing clinical programs involving experimental drug therapies.
Eating a healthier diet is always important, but may not prevent a Colitis flareup. However, certain foods do actually cause difficulty for Crohn's sufferers as does tension or excess stress. Figuring out exactly what Colitis and Crohn's Disease are helps many people control their symptoms more effectively. Whilst the two forms of inflammation are similar, being correctly diagnosed is an important first step toward living a more comfortable life.
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To find out more about Crohns, see our What is Crohns Disease information site. Also, check out this blog to get more information.
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