Crohn's disease is a type of bowel disorder in which part of the digestive tract becomes swollen. The swelling may be in more than one area of the digestive tract. It may also extend deep into the tissue. Crohn's disease may also be genetic and it occurs more often in people living in big cities.
What causes the condition?
It is thought that the immune system plays a role in the swelling. Usually, the immune system keeps the body safe from infection. In Crohn's disease, it sees bacteria that are normal to the digestive tract as a foreign object, so it attacks the bacteria. When the immune system attacks the digestive tract, a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is released. TNF-α is what causes the swelling to occur.
What are the symptoms?
Crohn's disease causes loose stools, stomach pain, ulcers, and weight loss. You may have these symptoms on and off. It is important to monitor and treat the condition, even when you have no symptoms. Left untreated, it can progress and cause more health problems.
What medications are available?
There are many medications that can help with your symptoms. People with Crohn's disease may be on anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone or steroids, medications that suppress the immune system, or antibiotics. Biologic therapy is used when the condition does not respond to other therapies. It is also used if the condition is severe.
The most common biologic therapy used is Remicade® (infliximab). Remicade is a monoclonal antibody, meaning it is made up of both human and mouse protein. It works by binding to TNF-α in the bloodstream to prevent it from circulating. It also destroys the cells that make TNF-α, which then decreases the swelling caused by Crohn's disease.
What should I know while taking my medication?
By taking your medications, you will be able to keep your Crohn's disease under control. Many people go through long periods of time where they have no symptoms and then have an occasional flare-up.
If you are on therapy:
- You will need to learn how to recognize and manage side effects, including knowing when to ask your doctor for help.
- You will need to know what to do when you have a flare-up.
- Be sure that you have received a tuberculosis test before you start on Remicade.
- A nurse will be administering your therapy every two to eight weeks.
- Let your nurse know if you are not feeling well, have a cold, or another infection. You should not get Remicade if you have an infection.
- Avoid live vaccines when on Remicade. Some examples of live vaccines include: FluMist® for influenza, Attenuvax® and MMR-II for measles, Mumpsvax®, Orimune® for polio, and RotaTeq® for rotavirus.
Where can I find more information?
It is important to learn all you can about the condition. Doing so will help you understand how you can help with your treatment. To learn more about Crohn's disease, please visit: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns.
Healthy Pointers:
- Do not smoke. Smoking can cause your Crohn's disease to worsen.
- Avoid using over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Drink lots of fluids and avoid foods that make your signs and symptoms worse. Limit dairy products and try low-fat foods.
- Maintain a good diet. Small meals help with intestinal cramping.
- Learn how to manage your stress by doing regular exercise, yoga, or deep breathing.
