It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can affect any portion of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
The intestines are inflamed, swollen, may also develop ulcers. There are various theories for causes of Crohn’s disease, but none has been proven. The most popular theory is that the body’s immune system reacts to a virus or bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine. It is a rare disorder and has auto-immunity playing an important role in its initiation.
A genetic component has been suggested to cause this condition. Single strongest risk factor for development of Crohn’s is a relative with Crohn’s disease.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes will come on suddenly, without warning. There are times when you may also have no signs or symptoms (remission).
Crohn’s disease is a systemic disease, hence, apart from gastrointestinal symptoms, it can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract.
The main gastrointestinal symptoms are:-
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Reduced appetite & Weight loss
- Flatulence & bloating
- Pain and/or itching around the anusDifficulty in swallowing
- Nausea, and vomiting
Symptoms outside the gastrointestinal tract include:-
- Skin rashes
- Arthritis
- Fever
- Anemia
- Ophthalmic involvement
- Osteoporosis
- Growth retardation in children, etc.
Some signs of Crohn’s disease are:-
- Anaemia
- Mouth ulcers
- Clubbing of nails
- Abdominal tenderness
- Anal fissures, fistulae and skin tags
What causes Crohn's disease is not known. In the disease, the person's immune system attacks his own body. The immune system attacks healthy parts of the digestive tract. This causes inflammatory swelling in the digestive tract.
There are no medications or surgical procedures that can cure Crohn's disease. Treatment options are intended to help with symptoms, maintain remission, and prevent relapse.
Although diet does not cause Crohn’s disease, some patients may be able to relieve their symptoms by changing the type of food they eat. Eating soft, bland foods, and avoiding dairy products, fats, wheat, and spicy and high-fiber food, may help. However, if the patient becomes malnourished, nutrients should be given intravenously.
Through homoeopathic treatment a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Crohn’s disease symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proven medicines are available for Crohn’s disease treatment that can be selected on the basis of cause, condition, sensation and modalities of the complaints.
Many Chronic patients with long durations of suffering were successfully and rapidly treated at our New Life Homoeo Care clinic where following medicines were helpful:-
Nux vomica, Terebinth, Sulphur, Terbium oxydatum, Merc sol, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Phosphorous, Butyric acid, Ipecac, Nitric acid, Aloes, China, Kali ars, Kali chlor, Lachesis, Crotalus horridus, Elaps, Capsicum, Cantharis, Toxoplasma gondi, Acid muriaticum, Acid sulph, Hamamelis, Ignatia, Natrum mur, Staphysagria and many other medicines.
Apart from the treatment, a lot of counseling and appropriate diet regimen is required.