Papers On Crohn's Disease

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Crohn's Disease Melissa Ivester BIO2015 Human Pathophysiology Elizabeth Serbia November 25, 2014 1932, Dr. Burrill Crohn and two of his colleagues discovered what came to be called Crohn's disease. This disease is part of the class of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn's disease can affect the entire GI tract or just a certain area. The sufferer may experience symptoms for a time and then be well for awhile ("CCFA: What is Crohn's Disease | Causes of Crohn's," 2014). Each patient can vary greatly with their symptoms, but the most common symptoms that point to inflammation in the GI tract are diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, constipation, rectal bleeding, urgent need…show more content…
It is believed that genetics and hereditary plays the biggest part because the disease tends to run in families. Under normal circumstances, the good bacterium that helps with digestion is not affected by a person's immune system ("CCFA: What is Crohn's Disease | Causes of Crohn's," 2014). With Crohn's disease, the immune system attacks the helpful bacteria and causes inflammation. The inflammation causes the intestine walls to thicken and ulcerate (Gould, 2011 p.422). Types of Crohn's disease There are several different types of Crohn's Disease. They are classified according to the area of the GI tract the disease is affecting. Ileocolitis is the most frequently occurring type. The disease occurs in the colon and small intestine. Some of its symptoms include weight loss, cramping, and diarrhea. Another type is jejunoileitis. With this type, fistulas may form in the affected area of the jejunum. This type also has diarrhea and cramping as symptoms ("Crohn's Disease," 2011). Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease occurs in the duodenum and the stomach. As a result, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and anorexia…show more content…
A treatment plan usually consists of diet modifications, medications, and surgery. It is essential that their diet provide enough nutrients. Loss of appetite and diarrhea affect the intake and absorption of vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals (Gould, 2011 p. 422). Bowel rest is also a typical treatment. This is achieved by only consuming clear liquids. A doctor's supervision is needed to provide nutrients through I.V. infusions. A period of a few days to several weeks may be needed to allow the bowels to heal ("Crohn's Disease,"

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