Diseases that affect the digestive system
Crohn's disease is also known as inflammatory bowel syndrome It causes swelling of the
tissues (inflammation) in your digestive tract/intestines, which can lead to:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
I have chosen to write about Crohn's disease as the inflammatory issues can affect nutrient
intake causing a deficiency.
A healthy intestine (Image A) looks wet, pink, smooth and has a clear sufficient blood supply
compared to an individual with Crohn's disease (Image B) which has a rough surface with
white ulcers.
(Image A- sciencephotolibrary, 20) (Image B- gponline, 20)
Unfortunately there are no cures for Crohn's disease however there are treatments that
reduce or control some symptoms. This includes:
- Steroid tablets which reduce the inflammation in the digestive system known as
Prednisone this makes the colon wider for nutrients to get through.
- Steroid tablets or injections to reduce chances of inflammation coming back, this
injection is known as Adalimumab
- Surgery to remove small parts of the infected area of the digestive system, known as
Strictureplasty which widens the narrow areas making it easier for things to pass
through the body and reduces blockage.
25
, Evaluation
One positive thing about Prednisone is that it is effective for reducing inflammation in the
digestive system. This can ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis,
asthma and skin rashes. Corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. (Mayoclinic, 20)
There are issues with taking Prednisone for Crohn's disease such as side effects this
includes: Problems with mood swings, memory, behaviour, and other psychological effects,
such as confusion.
“Adalimumab has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 679 reviews on
Drugs.com. 54% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative
experience.” (Drugs.com, 20) It shows that it's effective and many people (54%) reported it
to work successfully. One issue with using Adalimumab injections for Crohn's disease is that
they take a few weeks to kick in and sometimes even longer than that. There are also some
side effects like diarrhoea, coughing up blood or mucus, shortness of breath, problems
peeing, skin sores, wounds or muscle aches. (NHS, 20)
Surgery can help to reduce Crohn’s symptoms that are difficult to manage. Reducing your
symptoms may mean you can do other things more easily. It may mean you need to take
fewer medicines and can avoid the side effects of many medicines. (Crohns and colitis, 20)
An issue with surgery as a treatment for Crohn's disease is there are risks these include
infection and risks linked to having a general anaesthetic – such as having an allergic
reaction to the anaesthetic. There are also risks of developing blood clots after surgery.
(Crohn's and colitis, 20) although surgery does help some patients relapse.
26
Crohn's disease is also known as inflammatory bowel syndrome It causes swelling of the
tissues (inflammation) in your digestive tract/intestines, which can lead to:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
I have chosen to write about Crohn's disease as the inflammatory issues can affect nutrient
intake causing a deficiency.
A healthy intestine (Image A) looks wet, pink, smooth and has a clear sufficient blood supply
compared to an individual with Crohn's disease (Image B) which has a rough surface with
white ulcers.
(Image A- sciencephotolibrary, 20) (Image B- gponline, 20)
Unfortunately there are no cures for Crohn's disease however there are treatments that
reduce or control some symptoms. This includes:
- Steroid tablets which reduce the inflammation in the digestive system known as
Prednisone this makes the colon wider for nutrients to get through.
- Steroid tablets or injections to reduce chances of inflammation coming back, this
injection is known as Adalimumab
- Surgery to remove small parts of the infected area of the digestive system, known as
Strictureplasty which widens the narrow areas making it easier for things to pass
through the body and reduces blockage.
25
, Evaluation
One positive thing about Prednisone is that it is effective for reducing inflammation in the
digestive system. This can ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis,
asthma and skin rashes. Corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. (Mayoclinic, 20)
There are issues with taking Prednisone for Crohn's disease such as side effects this
includes: Problems with mood swings, memory, behaviour, and other psychological effects,
such as confusion.
“Adalimumab has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 679 reviews on
Drugs.com. 54% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative
experience.” (Drugs.com, 20) It shows that it's effective and many people (54%) reported it
to work successfully. One issue with using Adalimumab injections for Crohn's disease is that
they take a few weeks to kick in and sometimes even longer than that. There are also some
side effects like diarrhoea, coughing up blood or mucus, shortness of breath, problems
peeing, skin sores, wounds or muscle aches. (NHS, 20)
Surgery can help to reduce Crohn’s symptoms that are difficult to manage. Reducing your
symptoms may mean you can do other things more easily. It may mean you need to take
fewer medicines and can avoid the side effects of many medicines. (Crohns and colitis, 20)
An issue with surgery as a treatment for Crohn's disease is there are risks these include
infection and risks linked to having a general anaesthetic – such as having an allergic
reaction to the anaesthetic. There are also risks of developing blood clots after surgery.
(Crohn's and colitis, 20) although surgery does help some patients relapse.
26
