Crohn's Disease & Ulcers
Crohn's disease is a chronic disease about which little is known, including causes. Although some genetic indicators including race and family history may play a factor, other factors may include lifestyle. Treatment is limited to easing severity and frequency of symptomatic flare ups.
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Significance
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Crohn's disease is caused when a patient's immune system turns against the body itself. For reasons unknown, the immune system will suddenly begin to activate when there is no known threat to the body. Because of this frequent activation of the immune system, the body's gastrointestinal tract (GI) is frequently irritated. Symptoms of this irritation include inflammation and painful ulcers.
Ulcers
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According to the Mayo Clinic, a Crohn's ulcer is an open sore that forms in response to the chronic inflammation that is caused by Crohn's disease. Although it is possible to have ulcers throughout the digestive tract, they are most commonly found in the lower small intestine, colon or rectum.
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Fistula
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When ulcers extend through the GI wall, they can create a hole in the intestine, leaking the contents of the GI tract into the body or onto the skin in the case of external fistulas. In some cases, these breaks in the GI tract can lead to abscesses and infection. If left untreated, this condition may be life threatening. Treatment may require surgery in combination with efforts to control the underlying disease.
Treatment
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Treatment of Crohn's disease-related ulcers is typically limited to pain control and controlling the duration and frequency of symptomatic flare ups. Some medications including immunity suppressing drugs have proved beneficial to reducing the duration of Crohn's symptoms and decreasing the frequency of flare ups.
Lifestyle Changes
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Medical therapies for Crohn's disease are most typically used in combination with lifestyle changes that can keep Crohn's disease symptoms in remission. The most common lifestyle changes that doctors recommend include a change in diet, managing stress and quitting smoking. Studies have shown that positive changes in lifestyle can help strengthen the GI tract, increasing the body's resistance to ulcers and other illnesses that can cause Crohn's flare ups.
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