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Living With Crohn's Disease

By Katie Kelley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 29Sep2008 Word count: 545 Viewed: 446 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Crohn's disease is a physical disorder in which the inflammation of the digestive system occurs. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is from the mouth to the anus, becomes inflamed, especially in the area of the small intestine or the colon, causing an array of discomforting side effects.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has researched the potential causes of Crohn's disease and have found that while more research is necessary as to the specific reasons behind the condition, the following are factors that may contribute to an individual developing the condition:

* genes (a family's history of illnesses)

* an individuals immune system

* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment

According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that "the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body's immune system may trigger the disease." Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohnís disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.

The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both males and females are equally affected and individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 make up most of the population of Crohn's disease sufferers, between 500,000 and 1 million Americans.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn's disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individualís case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:

* rectal bleeding

* weight loss

* arthritis

* skin problems

* fever

* cramps

* abdominal pain

* fatigue

* loss of appetite

* joint, eye, skin and liver issues

* anemia

* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements

* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development

Treatments of Crohn's Disease

The NDDIC reported that Crohn's disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The types of drugs that are available include the following:

* anti-inflammation drugs

* cortisone or steroids

* immune system suppressors

* infliximabs (remicades)

* antibiotics

* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements

Of these Crohn's disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. The drugs, which are also known as TNF blockers, include:

* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)

* Enbrel (etanercept)

* Humira (adalimumab)

* Remicade (infliximab)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug's known as Cimzia.

A Reuters article noted that during a 10-year period nearly 30 cases of cancer were reported among young children. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn's disease.

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