Any type of chronic disorder may be especially difficult for
a child to cope with. Likewise, being a parent to such a child may leave you
feeling helpless and cheated. Unfortunately, the presence of Crohn’s Disease
will not be any easier to bear or deal with, as it has particularly unpleasant
side effects.
Crohn’s Disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
which occurs when the immune system overreacts to an agent of the digestive
system, sends excessive white blood cells to the area, and causes inflammation
as a result. The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown, but doctors believe
it is because the body misperceives positive bacteria naturally found in the
intestines as being harmful. However, once the reaction occurs, the immune
system is unable to stop the attack on the digestive tract.
Any area of the digestive system may be affected by Crohn’s
disease, from mouth to rectum; however, the area most affected is the lower
portion of the small intestines and colon. Depending on which portion of the
system is disease, different symptoms may arise. Some examples of symptoms
include diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and
vomiting. Also, as a result of many of these symptoms, certain side effects
occur, such as anemia, weight loss, stunted growth, and delayed development.
There may also be complication in areas outside of the
digestive system, such as arthritis, skin rashes, mouth ulcers, or eye
inflammation.
Although Crohn’s is a chronic disease, meaning it is
ongoing, it does have periods of inactivity. During these periods, no symptoms
may occur. However, they will inevitably return at some point. There is
currently no cure for Crohn’s Disease.
Treatments for Crohn’s Disease include medications and
surgery in severe cases. Medications are usually taken to decrease swelling in
the bowels, control the reaction of the immune system, treat infection that may
arise, or to treat the symptoms of Crohn’s. Surgery is usually only utilized
when other treatment methods are ineffective. Unfortunately, many of the
medications taken cause a myriad of side effects, many very severe in nature.
However, often medication is necessary in spite of side effects to eliminate
potentially life threatening issues, such as infection.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet and to intake
plenty of fluids. Malnutrition sometimes occurs from lack of absorption of
foods. Likewise, dehydration is a concern due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Your child will also more than likely experience a lot of
emotional issues as a result of this disease.
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