Crohn's Disease
What is Crohn's disease and when does Crohn's disease occur?
Like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the bowel and usually affects the small intestine but can also affect the large intestine and even both sections equally.As with colitis, the disease is currently not curable, but can be contained.Crohn's disease also shows up in relapses lasting weeks and can be caused by problems with the immune system.This triggers a too strong reaction, which then causes inflammation.There are several factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing Crohn's disease.These include
taking the birth control pill, smoking or a family history.Also, a bad intestinal flora can be the reason for the flare-up
illness, as well as environmental factors.The reason for this assumption is that Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have increased rapidly in industrialized nations in recent decades.
What are symptoms and how can Crohn's disease be treated?
The disease is often accompanied by very severe abdominal pain, which sometimes lasts for several weeks and can feel crampy and occurs in the lower right abdomen.The reason is that not only is the upper part of the large intestine located at this point, but also the end of the small intestine.Areas often affected by Crohn's disease.There is also diarrhea, which can occur at the same time as fever.Common symptoms are loss of appetite and weight loss, severe tiredness, knee problems and skin changes.The therapy aims to reduce the symptoms by treating the inflammation.It is first examined which areas are particularly affected, and then the treatment is coordinated.At the same time, drugs are used that suppress the immune system and thosewhich have an anti-inflammatory effect.If necessary, doctors also give remedies for diarrhea and cramps.Surgery may also be necessary in the event of complications.For example, in the case of intestinal bleeding, blockages or perforations.
What should I consider when it comes to hygiene and what helps with pain?
Patients often complain of severe pain in the lower right abdomen caused by the inflammation.The type of pain can vary and occur in cramps, dull, stabbing and long-lasting.The pain often begins after eating.Therefore, an important remedy for pain is to find out which foods cause discomfort and which do not.As a rule, food should be chewed well and taken in the form of smaller meals.And take your time!Stress is poison in this disease.Meditation and autogenic training can reduce stress and thus pain.Hot-water bottles and warm baths also help against pain.Because Crohn's disease drugs affect your immune system, increased hygiene is very important.Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizerwear mouth and nose protection in public and change towels and bed linen often.When going to the toilet, it's important that you clean your butt thoroughly and gently because diarrhea is a very common problem.
