Crohn's disease isn't fun to deal with and to make matters worse, it can be troubling both physically and psychologically to those who have it. Crohn's is a chronic IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) that attacks the intestinal immune system causing it to malfunction. The intestines malfunction due to an overload of white blood cells that build up in the stomach's mucosa (inner lining of the stomach).
These cells release chemicals that cause the mucosa to become inflamed which irritates the small intestine and/or colon. The resulting inflammation usually causes diarrhea and/or bloody diarrhea, which is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease.
What is diarrhea? In many cases it is a frequent increase in bowel movements and the decrease of producing stool that has form. Diarrhea is loose, soft stool, that is often watery. The softness of the stool is caused by excess secretions of fluid in the stomach or the upper small intestine. When too much liquid occurs at one time, the colon and lower small intestine can not absorb the necessary amount of water. Thus, the digested, and sometimes undigested food, remains watery and quickly passes through the anus resulting in diarrhea.
There are different variations of Crohn's disease. The 4 main sub-types include:
1. Crohn's Colitis - inflammation of the colon
2. Crohn's Enteritis - inflammation in the small intestine
3. Crohn's Terminal ileitis - inflammation at the very end of the small intestine; the area closest to the colon.
4. Crohn's Entero-Colitis (also known as Ileo-Colitis) - inflammation of both the small intestine and the colon.
Even though symptoms an infected person may experience differ based on the subtype they have, diarrhea is a common painful and unpleasant condition for all Crohn's disease sufferers. For this reason, many people affected with Crohn's seek treatment to control the problem.
The most common symptoms that accompany diarrhea include:
o Abdominal cramping
o Dehydration
o Skin irritation
o Weight loss
To help alleviate the symptoms you can try applying a warm compress to your stomach to help with cramps. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids including water, chicken broth, apple juice, etc. Keep your rectal area clean after you have a bowel movement and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
You can also try other treatments to help control your diarrhea. For instance, there are over-the-counter anti-diarrheal meds available such as:
o Fiber supplements - Anit-diarrheal that helps to add bulk to stool (IE. Metamucil®). This treatment is often affective for those with mild cases of diarrhea.
o Loperamide - Anti-diarrheal that slows the contraction of the stomach muscles (IE. Imodium®). This treatment is usually prescribed for those who have a more serious condition.
However, it's best to consult a professional before you result to these treatments. You should also pay a visit to your doctor should the medication you are taking fail to help treat your diarrhea or cause the condition to worsen.
Medication that is prescribed for diarrhea symptoms may or may not work depending on how serious Crohn's disease affects a person. For this reason, many people with the disease also try a diet plan that focuses on eliminating certain foods such as high fiber, high sugar, dairy, and fat that can trigger a bout of loose watery stool.
Since foods that trigger diarrhea may be different for everyone, the best way to create a diet that works for you is to create a personal elimination diet.
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