Crohn's Disease
Kelly Hanshaw
PHA 136
November 21, 2011
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the bowel due to an immune system malfunction, which affects more than 500,000 men and women in America. The immune system is supposed to protect us from antigens and other foreign invaders in the body, but when a person has Crohn's their own body (leukocytes) attacks itself and other bacteria that are normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the lining of the intestines. When the body sends all the leukocytes to kill the so-called invaders it causes inflammation. If this inflammation continues over a long period of time it can cause ulcerations and injuries to different parts of the bowels. Researchers are not really sure as to the exact cause of Crohn's disease. The Inflammation that is caused by Crohn's usually spreads deep into layers of intestinal and colon tissue that is affected by the disease.
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Endoscopic image of Crohn's colitis showing deep u...If not taken care of, not only can Crohn's disease lead to life-threatening complications, it can also be severely debilitating and horribly painful. There are studies that indicate that foreign substances in the environment, infections and immune system problems could possibly trigger the disease. However, it is possible that Crohn's is genetic and can be inherited; if Crohn's is in your family it doesn't mean that you will come down with Crohn's disease. A diagnosis of Crohn's disease can be hard to come too because the symptoms of Crohn's disease are so similar to other disorders of the bowels. As of today there is no cure for Crohn's disease however drug therapies can greatly reduce the symptoms associated with the disease. Many people are able to live and function well with this disease if they follow the medicinal therapies.
The symptoms associated with Crohn's disease vary...