If you experience persistent symptoms such as pain and cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea, fatigue, or digestive issues, you could have Crohn’s Disease. A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. It most commonly affects the large and small intestines. It can affect both children and adults.
Crohn’s disease is associated with uncomfortable systems such as bloating, cramps, bloody bowel movements, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms fluctuate for most people, during times of flare-ups they worsen and during periods of remission they lessen.
How does Irritable Bowel Syndrome affect the immune system? The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation explains:
A person’s immune system usually attacks and kills foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. During a normal immune response, cells travel out of the blood to the intestines and produce inflammation. Under normal circumstances, harmless bacteria that’s present in the GI tract are protected from an immune system attack.
In people with IBD:
These harmless bacteria are mistaken for foreign invaders and the immune system mounts a response.
The inflammation caused by the immune response does not go away. This leads to chronic inflammation, ulceration, thickening of the intestinal wall, and, eventually, symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease at this time, there are several ways to manage the symptoms, minimizing the effects on your day to day life.
Lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease
Simplify your diet. Crohn’s disease affects everyone differently and there isn’t a specific diet that can cure or prevent the symptoms, but there are foods that can aggravate or worsen the symptoms. To make these connections, try keeping a food journal.
Avoid Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Not only can the precipitate a flare-up, they can diminish the ability for the GI tract to heal and protect itself. Try taking acetaminophen for pain.
Stop smoking Not only is smoking a strong risk factor for developing the disease, it can also generate a flare-up. For those with Crohn’s disease who stopped smoking experienced fewer flair-ups, decrease in necessary medications and a reduces risk of surgery.
Reduce stress. Stress can significantly impact Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel disease. Those suffering with the disease have found stress reduction techniques and management to be very helpful. This can include, yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, and meditation.
The key to getting the right treatment
Since Crohn’s disease affects people in different ways, the key is getting the right treatment for your specific symptoms. These treatments focus on controlling and reducing the inflammation, relieve cramps and uncomfortable symptoms of the disease.
Dealing with the symptoms of Crohn’s disease every day can be frustrating, we encourage you to contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida, for the support you need to properly manage the symptoms and feel empowered.
As a top provider for inflammatory bowel diseases, we provide the latest medical and customized care, with treatment plans that focus on each individual patient’s medical needs and unique symptoms. Our goal is to help you lead a more comfortable and healthier life.
Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida offers a team of skilled, Board Certified Physicians, and courteous office staff are here to make your health care experience as convenient as possible.
Our physicians provide excellent medical care to all patients and their families in a manner committed to the enhancement of the partnership between patient and the provider.
We work with you, your primary care physician, and your insurance company to ensure a treatment protocol that is designed to meet your specific needs. Contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida today for more information.