Sunday, March 3, 2013

What Are Crohn's Disease And Colitis? Similarities And Differences

By Valerie Allan-Brown


Inflammatory Bowel Disease is the common name given to more than one specific affliction and most commonly refers to two severe digestive tract disorders that are both chronic, painful and life-disrupting. Comprehending exactly what are the symptoms and indicators of Colitis and Crohn's is vitally important for those who may be affected, primarily people of European genetic descent.

Colitis is hard to predict, often flaring up unexpectedly and then quietly disappearing into remission. The intensity of intestinal discomfort varies greatly when comparing individual cases and the problem is rarely fatal. However, it can cause unpleasant or even dangerous related complications, including dehydration, perforated colon, continuous blood loss, inflammation of other organs and an increased probability of certain cancers.

Diagnosis is based on physical location inside the intestines which is most often in the lower or sigmoid colon. It attacks a continuous intestinal segment, inflaming the inner lining. Whilst some symptoms may mimic other potentially acute conditions, if normal bowel habits all of a sudden begin to change, accompanied by bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever, there is definite reason for concern.

The factors triggering a flareup used to be linked generally to stress. increased, stress is no longer believed to be the primary cause but more of a contributor. A number of researchers today believe that an overly aggressive immune system response to an unknown antigen factors 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 mainly affects related individuals. The symptoms are similar, including painful abdominal cramping, intense diarrhoea and usually bleeding. However, inflammation patterns are different and are often located throughout the digestive tract rather than being concentrated in the lower colon. It can factor trouble at any point from the mouth to the rectal opening and can stunt growth or factor delayed sexual development in children.

Remissions are common between bouts, allowing a more normal lifestyle. However, when complications occur they may be serious and can 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 reasons are still largely unknown. What is certain is that the immune system is involved in both, bringing about the body to turn on itself even when no obvious reason exists. Current treatments attempt to suppress that response without bringing about other problems and there are ongoing clinical programs involving experimental drug therapies.

Eating a healthier diet is always important, but can not prevent a Colitis flareup. Nevertheless, certain foods do actually cause difficulty for Crohn's sufferers as does excess stress or tension. Understanding exactly what Crohn's and Colitis 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment