Do I have Crohn’s Disease?

Lately I have had abdominal pain with diarrhea and weight loss for no apparent reason.

I kept thinking it would eventually go away. Then one day after talking to a friend of mine she stated that I could possibly have Crohn’s Disease and that I should see my doctor to get to the cause of my symptoms.

I thought to myself what is Crohn’s’ disease?

I later found out that Crohn’s disease is an inflammation or ulceration of the digestive tract, most commonly in the last part of the small intestine known as the ileum and the large intestine or colon.

After doing some research on Crohn’s disease it turns out that I have several of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. These symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Some other symptoms of Crohn’s disease that I did not have include poor appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal pain and rectal bleeding.

There are several different types of Crohn’s disease which include Crohn’s colitis, Crohn’s enteritis, Crohn’s terminal iletis, Crohn’s entero-colitis and ileo-colitis.

The two most common types of Crohn’s disease are Crohn’s terminal ileitis and Crohn’s ileo-colitis.

Crohn’s terminal ileitis is an inflammation that affects only the very end of the small intestines. With this type of Crohn’s disease the symptoms are usually abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Crohn’s ileo-colitis is the other most common Crohn’s disease. With this you have inflammation of the small intestine and colon. The common symptoms for this are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.

I went to see my medical doctor to discuss the symptoms that I was having and to discuss the possibility of it being Crohn’s disease.

I learned that there are several ways to diagnose Crohn’s disease. First a medical history and physical exam are performed. Then an imaging test such as a barium x-ray to look at the intestine and colon may also be ordered. A colonoscopy is also a consideration when diagnosing Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease cannot be cured but can be treated with medication that reduces the inflammation and cures infection which in turn reduces the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

After an exam by my physician and a few medical procedures, I learned thankfully that I only had an infection causing my abdominal pain and diarrhea which was treated with antibiotics.

It is important to not self diagnose and see your medical doctor so proper treatment of your symptoms can begin.

Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often find that changing their diet pattern from their normal eating habits and getting on a common diet for irritable bowel syndrome can decrease their IBS symptoms.

The purpose of a common diet for irritable bowel syndrome is to find foods that irritate the bowel and avoid them, while at the same time find foods that soothe and regulate the bowel and enjoy those.

Sounds simple enough… right?

Well it takes a little work on your part but it is certainly worth it in the end. Getting control over such a devastating illness is critical.

Irritable bowel syndrome is also referred to as a spastic colon and accounts for almost 50% of the visits to a gastroenterologist. IBS symptoms include a change in bowel habits, which can mean diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence that are not associated with any abnormalities of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Severe irritable bowel syndrome can be life altering and often patients search for a very long time for the one thing that will control the symptoms. Often it is a combination approach to controlling the symptoms of IBS and beginning with a common diet for irritable bowel syndrome is an easy place to start.

Simple changes in a patient’s diet can assist in managing the IBS symptoms. Many people with IBS suffer from frequent and sudden diarrhea, which is often accompanied by the inability to make it to the bathroom in time.

This can lead to devastating emotional effects from the disease. Others with IBS can suffer from severe constipation. If constipation is a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, then increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can reduce constipation and will soften the stool, making it pass through the body’s GI system easier.

Although IBS patients need to introduce high fiber foods into their diet, it must be done slowly and gradually. IBS patients often develop diarrhea and gas when they have too much fiber or certain high fiber foods.

High fiber foods consist of whole grain cereal and bread, vegetables, beans and fruit. Prune juice, plums, ground flaxseed and large amounts of water can also help to loosen bowels. Peppermint and chamomile are reportedly two herbs that can help to reduce symptoms and can soother the GI tract.

Refined foods such as potato chips, cookies, white rice, coffee, carbonated drinks and alcohol are foods that should be avoided if possible as they can slow down the passage of stool making the symptoms of IBS worse and more uncomfortable. Dairy and dairy products are often a common trigger of IBS symptoms.

A single food does not cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. However there are some foods that seem to be more closely associated with the onset of symptoms, including, foods high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine, coffee, carbonation and alcohol.

These food categories are known as GI stimulants or irritants, and can cause extreme reactions of the patient’s gastrocolic reflex. These type foods can directly affect the muscles in the patient’s colon and can lead to extreme pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

IBS affects each patient differently so it is important to keep a food journal also known as a symptom journal so that the patient is aware of the impact of certain foods on their gastrointestinal system. Foods with a negative effect should be avoided. While keeping the journal, it is important to note the type of foods that were eaten throughout the day and exactly when the patient started experiencing the IBS symptoms and the pain level.

This will help the healthcare provider to best help the patient to design to common diet for irritable bowel syndrome specifically created by the individual’s reaction.

Common diet for irritable bowel syndrome is simple if the patient discovers what food triggers their symptoms. Do the homework, keep an accurate food journal to best define food triggers for irritable bowel syndrome. Best advice… find a diet that works at controlling the symptoms and stick with it!

There are many foods which your stomach is not strong enough to take and you should be aware of those, to avoid any future severe heartburn confrontations.

Although GERD is different for everyone, due to varying acid tolerance, most sufferers stay away from the same main foods. First, steer clear of carbonated sodas, citrus drinks, and teas. They are filled with acid which can easily flow right down your esophagus and into your stomach leading to pain from acid reflux!

If you are concerned with the vitamin C loss from your favorite citrus drinks, consider taking vitamin supplements at mealtimes and you won’t miss a thing (except the heartburn).

Soups are fine to eat as long as they are not “cream-style”, tomato, or even vegetable. Those tend to be too fatty which can also be bad for your damaged stomach. Fatty foods can often lead to an exacerbation of GERD symptoms. They definitely make it on the list of GERD foods to avoid.

Another group of foods which are known trouble-makers are the seemingly innocent flavors of spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, and chewing gum. Sure you probably think that doesn’t make any sense… you don’t even swallow gum! But what you do swallow is your saliva as you chew that gum. That constant swallowing of saliva is dangerous because of an automatic setting in your stomach which is designed to produce a set amount of acid to help break down the foods when you swallow.

When you chew gum you swallow the saliva your body is producing, but what is there to break down; nothing but the interior and lining of your stomach. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll know what you can and can not have and specifically what GERD foods to avoid.

Basically the main foods to avoid are foods that are high in fats, oils, or acidic content. Now you’re probably looking at that list and thinking, “That’s my whole pantry” but really, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

There are many foods which you can still enjoy without the harmful side-effects. Breads, grains, chicken, fish, turkey, and one percent milk are all acceptable! Plus most all fruits are low in fat; therefore fruits don’t contain eating restrictions.

So go ahead, eat another one of those apples but keep away from the GERD foods to avoid!

Constipation is not a disease. It is a symptom.

Constipation is the passage of hard, dry stools which are infrequent and hard to pass.

Normal bowel movement frequency varies greatly from person to person. If you have a bowel movement fewer than three times a week you may be constipated.

With constipation the muscles of the rectum stretch, causing the muscles to weaken so they can’t hold stools in the rectum long enough for a person to reach the bathroom.

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the Unites State. Almost everyone at one time or another is affected with constipation. There are several causes of constipation.

Poor diet is one of the main causes of constipation. Eating a diet high in animal fats and refined sugar and not enough fruits and vegetables can lead to constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another cause of constipation. This is also known as spastic colon. IBS delays the speed with which the contents of the intestine move through the digestive tract leading to constipation.

Poor bowel habits can also be a cause of constipation. If you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, this can initiate a cycle of constipation.

This is normally done because people try to avoid using public toilets or are just too busy to stop and go. After a while the urge to have a bowel movement stops and constipation sets in.

Certain medications can also cause constipation. These medications can include pain medications, antacids, antidepressant drugs, tranquilizers and iron supplements.

The causes of constipation can vary from person to person. Understanding that normal bowel movements vary widely is the first step in treating constipation.

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fiber rich foods, bran, whole grain and fresh fruits and vegetables can lessen the chance of you getting constipated. In addition the urge to have a bowel movement should not be ignored.

Your doctor is best qualified to determine the cause and treatment for your constipation.

There are many severe GERD symptoms which can develop into full blown GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and you might never know…unless you understand the symptoms.

For starters, you should be aware that heartburn is the number one symptom of GERD and occurs in over 35% of all Americans monthly!

Patients also report severe GERD symptoms like throat problems, earaches, dysfunctional swallowing, and coughing. These problems can sometimes occur in asthmatics and can even cause asthma symptoms to worsen.

What’s another symptom of severe GERD? Well, ask yourself this simple question, do your teeth hurt constantly? Because stomach acid is the main antagonist of GERD; tooth decay, gingivitis, and common tooth aches are all very frequent in people with GERD.

Along with tooth aches and heartburn, nausea is another GERD symptom. Although nausea is a symptom, it is not usually the main sign of GERD due to its generality, and so there is no need to be jumping to conclusions just because you may suffer from nausea.

One easy way to find out about the cause of your nausea would be to simply go to your doctor or physician. They can help you to discover the source of your nausea. Also, although uncommon, GERD is usually one of the first diseases suspected of unexplained vomiting. Be sure to check with your physician if you experience unexplained vomiting.

Severe GERD symptoms can also include a more serious group. These symptoms consist of esophageal ulcers or esophagitis.

Gradual progressive dysphasia (the inability to swallow) of solid foods is a severe symptom of GERD. If you begin to experience difficulty swallowing food it is very important that you see your healthcare provider and get a consultation to review your symptoms and see if you have developed GERD. Your symptoms could be serious.

The final main symptom of GERD is regurgitation. Regurgitation, the reflux of liquid into the mouth, is extremely common. This occurs when the acidic backup from your stomach works it way back into the esophagus resulting in a sour taste or burning in your throat. This is usually a very unpleasant symptom but it is also one of the key indicators of GERD, especially if you just enjoyed a large, spicy, or quickly consumed meal.

All of these symptoms are important factors in order to decide if you do or do not have GERD. Look out for a combination of any of these severe GERD symptoms because if they go untreated, the disease could cause long term damage.

A stomach ulcer occurs when the tissue lining of the stomach gets a break in it.

This can be caused by several different things. Stress, diet and smoking were commonly thought to be the principal causes of stomach ulcers.

However, while those things certainly heavily contribute to the formation of stomach ulcers, it is now known that helicobacer pylori or H. pylori bacterium is known to be responsible for 60% of stomach ulcers.

The symptoms of a stomach ulcer can include abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Using a range of methods, doctors are now able to diagnose a stomach ulcer.

Endoscopy is one way a doctor may diagnose a stomach ulcer. With an endoscopy a thin flexible tube is threaded through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. This tube is fitted with a small camera so the physician can see if there is an ulcer.

A barium swallow is another test used to diagnose a stomach ulcer. With this test a chalky liquid is swallowed and then an x-ray is performed showing the lining of the stomach. The barium liquid helps your physician to see evidence of an ulcer.

To check for the presence of H. pylori, a C14 breath test is done. With this test you swallow an amount of radioactive carbon (C14) and then the air that is exhaled from the lungs is tested.

There are several different stomach ulcer treatment options depending on the cause of your stomach ulcer.

If your ulcer is from H. Pylori, then medication such as antibiotics may be prescribed. Different drugs to help speed the healing process are used in combination and are needed to destroy the H. Pylori colony.

If your ulcer is due to medications that you are on then changes to your existing medications may be in order to reduce their contributing effects on the stomach ulcer. Lifestyle modification is another stomach ulcer treatment if your ulcer is from smoking or stress or diet.

Stomach ulcer treatment options include antibiotics, medication changes and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stomach ulcer such as abdominal pain, nausea and weight loss see your doctor to discuss your options.

This type of ulcer disease affects millions of Americans yearly. The stomach has a protective layer of cells that produce mucus which prevents the stomach from being damaged by stomach acids and digestive juices. If this protective layer gets damage an ulcer in stomach may occur.

There are several reasons why you may get an ulcer in stomach. The leading cause of ulcer disease is thought to be an infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pyloridus better known as H. pylori. Certain medications such as anti-inflammatory medications are another major cause of ulcers in stomach. An increase production of gastric acid can be another reason why you could get an ulcer in stomach.

Symptoms of ulcer in stomach can vary from person to person. One of the symptoms a person may experience is a burning, aching, hunger like pain before or after they have eaten.

Another symptom of ulcer in the stomach is nausea and vomiting. Stomach pain that is relieved by eating food or taking antacids is another symptom of ulcer in the stomach.

Weight loss and fatigue can also be symptoms of ulcer in stomach.

If you are having the symptoms of ulcer in stomach it is important to see your medical doctor so your symptoms can be properly diagnosed. More than likely your doctor will order an x-ray, blood test to look for h. pyloric bacteria, anemia or bleeding ulcer. If these tests are negative your doctor may order an endoscopy or gastroscopy test so your doctor can see your ulcer and better prescribe treatment.

There are several different treatment options for ulcer in stomach. The main objective of ulcer treatment is to relieve the pain. Antacids can help neutralize existing acid in the stomach. Medications to help decrease acid production may be prescribed. If your ulcer in stomach is due to h. pyloric bacteria you will be prescribed an antibiotic.

Regardless of the reason behind your ulcer in stomach it is so important to seek treatment and not just learn to live with the pain. There are treatment options available for you.

Be careful of what you buy in the market. Do not be easily fooled with products and its sweet words. They usually promise a short term of healing process and offer a very affordable price on their ulcer remedies. They also say their products have special healing ability. It is quite natural that they will say all the positive things that they could think of about their product. Check first if it’s guaranteed to be tested and verified in research and different clinic trials. There are also many fake products on the market. The thing that you could is to check if it is certified and clinically tested.

Better consult an expert first before doing something. But there are cases that the doctor is not reliable with his advice. There are people that have asked the expertise of a doctor but the symptoms had worsened. Seek a doctor that is reliable and highly competent in his field. The best thing you could do is to be equipped with knowledge on ulcers. Find testimonies of patients who are also the same as your condition and is now healed.

What are the habits that they practice for faster recovery? Gather relevant information about diets that can help you. What are the lists of foods that had helped them to recover? What are the foods that make their condition even worse? Facts and not just information would be the best thing that you would have in order to treat your disease. These will lessen the possibility that your symptoms will get worst because you know the “do’s and don’ts”. Ulcer remedies and other helpful information can lead you to healing and wellness.