Crohns Disease Overview

The modern diet for most nations, particularly North American, has become saturated with heavily processed foods. This spike in consumption of things such as refined wheat, meats, sugars, and fats has also lead to a myriad of diseases and disorders seen almost exclusively in developed countries. Out of these conditions one of the most misunderstood and varying is Crohn's disease, which causes extreme pain and discomfort and is essentially incurable. While widely debated, the exact cause of Crohn's has not been discovered which has led to several theories as to where it comes from. Despite the relatively large population of those who suffer from Crohn's, and the massive impact that the disease has on their lives, there is little understanding of the disease in those who do not have it, and even those who do. This article will seek to explain the symptoms and mechanisms behind the disease, possible causes and factors, as well as the difficulties and life changes those afflicted with the disease must face, in order to help spread knowledge and awareness.
Like most inflammatory diseases, Crohn's and its symptoms are directly linked to an immune response. With Crohn's the immune system launches a direct attack on the digestive tract, leading to inflammation which can occur anywhere from the mouth to the rectum; although it is most commonly restricted to the small intestine. This constant state of inflammation causes physical damage to the lining of the area of the digestive tract affected, which leads to pain, ulceration, abcesses, along with frequent, watery bowel movements often accompanied by blood. Vomiting and an inability to absorb nutrients are also common, leading to weight loss, anemia, and malnutrition. The pain associated with Crohn's is said to come in waves and according to one patient "had me curled up in a ball on the floor, vomiting". Depending on the severity of inflammation, pain can range from mild to severe enough to warrant hospitalization and