Crohn's Disease + Original Articles

Learn more about a scientific discovery that may change the face of treatment for patients with certain bowel diseases. An international team of scientists has recently identified new genetic targets for drugs to treat Crohn's disease. Researchers analyzed DNA from 1,758 Crohn's patients and 1,480 healthy people, all of European ancestry. What appears to be most significant to the biology of Crohn's disease is the interleukin 12 (IL 12)  pathway, which governs cell receptors involved in the development of Crohn's disease.

Learning you have a chronic disease can be frightening, and overwhelming. Fortunately, arming yourself with the right information and action steps can help you feel more at ease. Learning you have a chronic disease is a shock, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed at first. Here are a few suggestions about what to do next--so you can put your mind at ease. Learn as much as you can about the disease. Find out what is normal and what you should expect when you have Crohn's.

Read on for the full list of foods you should be eating. As you know, there is no such thing as a Crohn's diet. Everyone with Crohn's disease reacts differently to different foods. However, there are foods that alleviate or symptoms and help prevent flare-ups for Crohn's suffers. Fluids. Drink lots of liquids to replenish fluids lost from diarrhea and prevent dehydration, which can make you weak and put your kidney function at risk.

Don’t let myths about Crohn’s hamper you from doing the things you love or making sound health decisions. Don't let myths about Crohn's hamper you from doing the things you love or making sound health decisions. Here are a few common myths-and truths-about Crohn's disease. Myth: I can't prevent Crohn's disease. Fact: It's true that you cannot change your genetic predisposition to Crohn's, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this disease.

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn’s, there are foods that are more likely to aggravate your condition. If you have Crohn's disease, you've probably found that certain foods aggravate your digestive system and may even trigger a flare-up. Medical experts suggest you keep a food diary for a while to identify your trigger foods so you can eliminate, or reduce, them in your diet.

There are steps you can take to protect your child from this chronic condition. As parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our children healthy. You cannot change your child's predisposition to diseases, however there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood he or she will develop Crohn's disease. Encourage them NOT to smoke.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the safety of autoimmune disorder drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the safety of TNF blockers, drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's, to determine if they are associated with an increased risk of cancer in children and young adults. What are TNF blockers? TNF, or tumor necrosis factor, is a naturally occurring protein in the body and may play a role in inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

New latest in Crohn's research is offering alternatives to millions of Crohn’s sufferers. Physicians have a plethora of drug therapies they can use, alone or in tandem, to control the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond well to treatments, and all drugs have potential side effects. Therefore, researchers continue to seek additional, more effective, treatment options with fewer side effects.

If you have Crohn’s disease, you are probably already familiar with what it’s like to have a colonoscopy. Physicians use this procedure to diagnose bowel disease and it’s invaluable in screening for colon and rectal cancer. Unfortunately, having Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) puts you at greater risk for developing colon cancer. In fact, it's the third highest risk condition for this type of cancer (the good news is that it's highly treatable when caught early). Your increased risk depends on how long you've had Crohn's and how much of your bowel it has affected.

Identifying genetic markers for Crohn’s disease blazing way for new treatment options. The completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 gave researchers the ability to read nature's complete genetic blueprint for humans. This was a significant milestone in our understanding of the role genes play in various diseases. We know that genes, along with environmental factors, increase an individual's risk for diseases such as Crohn's.

If you have been using Crohn’s disease as an excuse not to exercise, you will have to find a new excuse. Studies show that appropriate exercises are beneficial, even if you have Crohn’s. Exercise delivers many benefits, regardless of your health status. In general, it gives you energy, makes you feel good, helps you manage your weight, strengthens your heart, and weight-bearing exercises (such as running or weight training) reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Depression--it’s not all in your head and it does matter. It's understandable that a chronic illness such as Crohn's can make you feel depressed. The occasional blue days are normal and we all experience them from time to time. When depression becomes severe or prolonged, however, it can negatively affect symptoms caused by other existing illness, such as Crohn's disease (see sidebar for symptoms of depression).

Is there proof behind the theory? Find out here. People who practice Complimentary and Alternative Medicine have long used probiotics to treat various illnesses. Recently, however, they have been in the limelight, especially by manufacturers touting the health benefits of foods that contain probiotics.

There are many types of surgical procedures physicians can perform to treat people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Here’s what you need to know about J pouch surgery. Seventy percent of Crohn's patients eventually require surgery to manage their disease. However, surgery may induce remission and provide relief from difficult symptoms, significantly improving patients' quality of life. One such method is J pouch surgery.

You don’t have to go it alone. Why should I participate in a support group for Crohn's? You may have supportive family and friends; however, there's nothing like sharing experiences with someone who knows firsthand what it's like to live with Crohn's. Support groups become important social, educational and support hubs for people living with chronic diseases.

If your doctor has recommended an ostomy, here’s what you need to know. What is an ostomy? An ostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen to remove your body's waste. A physician may perform an ostomy in patients who've had a portion of their large bowel removed or bypassed. It's also a common procedure for people who have Irritable Bowel Disease.

Planning meals does not have to be a complicated or onerous task. The key to meal planning being armed with information about what you should eat, and incorporating Crohn's-friendly recipes into your repertoire. When planning meals, think balanced. Select foods from the four major food groups: meat, fish or other protein source; diary; cereals and grains; and fruits and vegetables.

Those achy muscles are not all in your head. Crohn's disease sometimes causes muscle achiness or weakness. There is no single or straightforward explanation for what causes weak muscles, which can make it frustrating to diagnose and treat. The most likely causes of muscle weakness in Crohn's patients seem to fall into two main categories: nutritional deficiencies and co-existing diseases.

This microbe could pose a problem for your condition. Our bodies are teeming with friendly microorganisms, especially our digestive tract. In a healthy person, the number of good microbes, which protect the body from harm, far exceeds bad microbes, such as bacteria and viruses. When something disrupts this delicate balance, however, it causes problems.

Alternative medicine increasingly popular with Crohn’s and other diseases Are you one of many Crohn's patients looking for ways other than drugs and surgery to treat your disease? If so, you are not alone. The use of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (CAM) therapies in preventing and treating disease is growing. Almost 40 percent of adults, particularly those over age 50, practice one or more forms of alternative medicine.

Most Crohn’s patients require surgery at some point in their lifetime. Crohn's patients have a range of treatment options available. They vary depending on the patient's disease progression and circumstances. Approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of people with Crohn's disease will eventually require surgery. When you no longer respond to medication therapy, or other treatments are not providing the relief you need, it may be time to consider surgery.

Managing disease complications eases symptoms Unfortunately, complications from Crohn's disease are common. Knowing what to expect, however, helps you cope. Complications can be divided into two broad categories. Local complications directly affect the GI tract, while systemic complications occur in other parts of the body.

Although they are different diseases, Celiac and Crohn’s share similar symptoms and characteristics. Both celiac disease and Crohn's are autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the intestines. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system over-reacts and attacks cells in the body as if they were foreign objects, such as bacteria or other toxins.

Don't let your chronic illness ruin your love life. Is Crohn's affecting your love life? Chronic illness can affect numerous aspects of your life, including sexual relations. The good news is, however, that a satisfying love life is possible even if you have Crohn's disease. How does Crohn's affect your sex life? Research shows that most factors that may negatively affect your sex life are due to psychosocial factors, such as depression and self-image, rather than disease factors.

Feeling fatigued? If you have Crohn’s disease, you’re not alone. If you have Crohn's disease, chances are you suffer from fatigue from time to time. Although it's common,  fatigue is disruptive and can negatively affect your quality of life. There are many causes of fatigue; however, there are steps you can take to manage it.

You may be at higher risk, but there are ways you can protect yourself. The bad news is that people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are at higher risk for developing colon cancer. The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Colon Cancer Primer Colon cancer tumors form in the epithelial cells of the large intestine.

If caught early, colon cancer has a very high cure rate. Learn what signs to look for. Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 106,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. The symptoms of colon cancer mirror those of other disorders, which may cause patients to delay seeking prompt medical attention.

Learn more about how cholesterol-lowering drugs (known as statins) may be beneficial to Crohn's patients. Studies and clinical trials for specific diseases often uncover data that may also benefit people with other disease. Researchers have found health problems that seem unrelated may in fact have an indirect relationship to Crohn's disease. You're probably not familiar with the drug Atorvastatin by this name.

Find how out these two stomach conditions are related. Stomach ulcers and Crohn's are both diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, is there an additional connection? Researchers are beginning to believe there is. Stomach ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers) are open sores inside the lining of the stomach.

Raw food diets may be more than just a passing trend. If the phrase "raw food diet" conjures images of long hair, Birkenstocks and fringe communities, it may be time for a new picture. The number of people eating only raw food is growing, and followers report significant health improvements when making the switch to this way of eating.

Studies suggest a strong link between Crohn's disease and psoriasis. It's hard to imagine that Crohn's disease and Psoriasis have much in common; one affects the digestive system, the other the skin. However, the two diseases are similar and there is a significant correlation between the two. If you have Crohn's disease, you should be aware of this link.

Crohn’s disease shares symptoms, treatment and possibly causes, with many other illnesses, including fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the bones, muscles and joints. People who suffer with fibromyalgia are usually fatigued. Approximately two percent of the population has this disease. It affects more women than men. Like Crohn's, fibromyalgia is a chronic disease.

Relief for Crohn’s disease may be as near as your kitchen cupboard If you cook at all, chances are you have used the spice Turmeric. You may know it best as one of the main ingredients in curry recipes. Turmeric doesn't just add spice to your food; it has been used for more than 5,000 years in India, China, and ancient Egypt for its extensive healing powers.

Learn about the connection between vaccines and this prominent bowel disease. Widespread implementation of vaccines has dramatically reduced the incidence of many serious diseases and has improved the overall health of people in countries where they are routinely used. One of the most common vaccines is the MMR, which targets the measles, mumps and rubella viruses.

Many Crohn's patients are deficient in magnesium. If this is the case for you, find out what this could mean for your health. Chronic illness of the gastrointestinal system frequently results in deficiencies in one or more important nutrients, such as magnesium. People who have Crohn's disease should be aware of their risks for such dietary deficiencies. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body.

Osteoporosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease often go hand in hand. Studies find that between 15 and 50 percent of patients who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are also likely to have osteoporosis. Unlike Crohn's disease, however, there are no visible symptoms of osteoporosis. Doctors often do not diagnosis the disease until after bone damage has already occurred.

Here are some realistic steps you can take to help keep your symptoms at bay. Crohn's disease is characterized by alternating periods of heavy symptoms and relatively quiet stages, called remission. Your goal is to stay in remission as long as possible. If you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, you can take some simple steps to help keep your symptoms at bay.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)recently issued warnings about bowel cleansing formulas commonly used before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. In late 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about bowel cleansing formulas commonly used before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. Here's what you need to know. What's the warning? Many bowel cleansing products are made from Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP).

Recognizing the symptoms can lead to a quicker diagnosis—and more effective treatment. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease mimic those of other gastrointestinal diseases, complicating an accurate diagnosis. Although Crohn’s patients experience many of the same symptoms, they may vary widely in frequency and severity from one patient to another.

The disease can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Learn how a balanced diet can help you better manage this. Most of the food we eat is absorbed in the small intestines. Since Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease most often affecting the small intestines, people who have this disease have difficulty digesting and absorbing important nutrients (malabsorption).

Find out if certain behaviors can help ward off the disease. Physicians and researchers are still trying to unravel the mystery of what causes Crohn’s disease. They have identified numerous genetic variations linked to Crohn’s, and believe certain lifestyle factors also contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing Crohn’s.

Don’t turn to meds just yet; these natural alternatives may do the trick. Digestive diseases are no fun. They prevent you from drinking regular milk or lying down after a meal. They send you to the toilet every hour or keep you from it for days. Whether they’re inherited, rare, common, or uncommon, they can be embarrassing to discuss and a hassle on your daily life.

Learn about symptoms and treatments of some familiar digestive problems. If you’re experiencing any digestive problems, it’s important that you see your doctor. Many are easy to fix, as long as you understand them. Here are five common digestive ailments. 1. Constipation. Bowel movement fewer than three times per week .

The majority of women with the disease can successfully start families. If you have Crohn’s disease and want to get pregnant, you probably have many questions and concerns. Knowing how the disease will run during any one woman’s pregnancy is variable and hard to predict. However, here’s a brief overview of what you should know.

See what the studies are showing. Since Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease of the bowel, it’s often treated with immunosuppresants and anti-inflammatory drugs. As their name suggests, immunosuppressants suppress the immune system and therefore the body’s inflammation response.

With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth workday. Most people who have Crohn’s can hold a steady job and enjoy a rewarding career. A little planning and preparation can make all the difference in having a successful day at work. Here are a few tips for managing Crohn’s at work. 1. Always have a change of clothes—just in case.

Getting enough z’s at night can have therapeutic effects. We all have the occasional sleepless night. However, when sleeplessness persists, it can have a detrimental affect on your physical well being, especially if you have Crohn’s disease. Sleep modulates the immune system, and a regular good night sleep is a key component of good health.

You don’t have to suffer unnecessarily. A few small steps can make a big difference. Crohn’s disease is characterized by alternating periods of heavy disease activity (flare-ups) and remission (few or no symptoms). During a flare-up, patients frequently experience discomfort or pain. You don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.

Learn more about this vital part of the drug development process. Clinical trials are an important step in discovering new treatments and ways to detect, diagnose, or reduce the risk for disease. They reveal what works—or doesn’t—and helps the medical community weigh the benefits, risks, and side effects of potential new treatment options.

Environment, eating habits, and genetics all play a key role. There are risk factors associated with every disease, and Crohn’s is no exception. You can’t change the genetic hand that nature deals you, or your family history. Recognizing you are at greater risk for developing Crohn’s (or any disease) is invaluable.

Early studies of the effectiveness of fish oil in maintaining remission in Crohn’s patients have been quite promising. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains—and Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease. Crohn’s is characterized by alternating periods of flare-ups and remission. The first goal of intervention is to control symptoms and bring the disease into remission. Once in remission, the goal of treatment is to keep the patient in remission for as long as possible.

Find out if surgery may help ease your symptoms. Surgery is one step in the treatment program for patients who have Crohn’s disease. In fact, approximately 70 percent of Crohn’s patients will eventually need surgery. Surgery often initiates remission, providing relief from symptoms, and improves quality of life.

The incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. But why? If your child has Crohn’s disease, he or she is not alone. Approximately 140,000 people under the age of eight are affected this disease. And unfortunately, the incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. In fact, teens are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease than any other age group; about sixteen out of every 100,000 teens will be diagnosed with Crohn’s.

With some careful preparation, you can enjoy a successful and stress-free time away from home. Whether you are taking a much-anticipated family vacation or an essential business trip, don’t let Crohn’s disease get in the way. The key to traveling successfully is preparation. Here are a few things to consider: Take a supply of medicine.

Vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients must be included Crohn’s disease affects the intestines, which absorb food that produces energy for your body. When inflamed, it cannot adequately perform this essential function. Furthermore, when patients aren’t feeling well, they may not eat enough to support their body’s increased nutritional needs.

Learn how diet and lifestyle changes help eliminate this common problem. Power saws and car horns, at 110 decibels each, are jarring noises that cause you to cover your ears. They’re annoying and obnoxious. Yet neither of them is louder than what an Englishman did in 2001—burped at 118 decibels, the loudest belch ever recorded.

Dining out doesn't have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips. Sharing meals is at the heart of most social activities with family and friends. If you have Crohn's disease, you know firsthand that dining out can be difficult. However, there's no reason your social life should take a back seat. The key to dining out successfully is to plan carefully and be mindful of what you eat.

Learn how relaxation can help you better manage your condition. We can trace the belief in a mind-body wellness connection all the way back to ancient Greece. Today, the medical literature is mixed when it comes to the relationship between stress and illness. We know for sure that the underlying cause of Crohn's disease is biological-it's an inflammation of the digestive tract.

Learn about the symptoms and methods of diagnosing this gastrointestinal disorder. Every year, an estimated 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Crohn's disease. However, many people are uninformed about the disease and, as a result, may go undiagnosed. Here, find out about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments of Crohn's disease, so you can have a better understanding of the condition.

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Here, a guide to the disease, from screening to treatment. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or large bowel cancer, is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Nationally, there were 112,000 cases of colon cancer and 41,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2007, the organization estimated.

From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions. If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.

Although there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, these tips may help patients to manage their symptoms. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects an estimated 500,000 Americans. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and symptoms may include frequent diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, anal tears, and bowel obstructions.