Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. Some people may be symptom-free most of their lives, while others can have severe chronic symptoms that never go away.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease Are
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in your stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula)
Other Signs and Symptoms
People with severe Crohn’s disease also may experience:
- Inflammation of skin, eyes, and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- Delayed growth or sexual development, in children
Cause of Crohn’s Disease
Causes for Crohn’s could be from a virus or bacteria that triggers the immune system to genetics.
Diagnosis
- Blood test - looking at anemia in the blood
- Fecal test - used to see if there is any hidden blood.
- MRI - to show detailed pictures of the colon to see if there is Crohn’s Disease
- CT scan - this test looks at the entire bowel to see if Crohn’s is present
- Colonoscopy - the doctor can view the colon and see if there is general inflammation or Crohn’s.
Treatment for Crohn’s Include
- NSAIDs are used to bring the inflammation down in mild or moderate Crohn’s disease
- Corticosteroids are used for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
- Biologics like Humira and Remicade are used for severe Crohn’s disease
- Antibiotics can be used if there is too much foreign bacteria causing Crohn’s like symptoms
- Surgery this is last resort for those with severe Crohn’s disease
Natural Remedies
- Medical Marijuana has shown to decrease the inflammation of Crohn’s disease and help with nausea and anxiety that may come with it.
- Getting rid of gluten, dairy, sugar, white flour, white rice, artificial sweeteners, high fat, fiber, and processed foods.
- Try to reduce stress with meditation, therapy, yoga, lite exercise, getting proper sleep
- May also need to look at adrenal fatigue as well. This can cause more pain with Crohn’s disease.
- Omega 3’s are a good anti-inflammatory for the colon.
- Slippery elm coats the intestines and is anti-inflammatory
- Glutamine is used to restore gut lining
- Curcumin is anti-inflammatory that can help
Stem Cells
Stem cell injections are currently being researched for Crohn’s disease, and the results are looking great.
Call for an Appointment Today
If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, schedule an appointment today. With our expertise in gut issues, adrenals, herbs, botanicals and medical marijuana, we will work with you to find the proper treatment plan.