I have recently begun reading another blog (http://livingwithcrohnsdisease.blogspot.com) which also covers the topic of Crohn’s Disease (it helped to inspire me to begin this blog) Anyhow, aside from this being a very well written and informative blog entry, it also has a very concise (not too technical) description of Crohn’s Disease. I also have to admit it is very sad, yet uplifting as well… I recommend reading it. The particular entry I am referring to is titled “Lupis and Crohn’s Disease”

I have taken the liberty of extracting an excerpt of the description of Crohn’s and placed it below, but would also recommend that you read the blog entry… it is worth it.

“Crohn’s Disease involves the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the small bowel. It causes pain, fever, and diarrhea. It can also affect the joints and the eyes, leading to blindness. When it attacks the colon and bowel, it thickens the walls with inflamed tissue, which if left unchecked, can lead to intestinal blockages, which are life threatening. The mechanism for it is the same for all of the autoimmune disorders-the body turns on itself.

In a normal system, if a person experiences a wound or an illness, the T cells and white cells react as antigens which attack the diseased or damaged area, then shut themselves off. In autoimmune disorders, there is a failure to turn off this immune response, resulting in damage that continues, unless through medications it is modified. Most of the drugs used are geared toward damping the response down to healthier levels. Imuran, cyclosporin, Plaquenil, azothioprine and prednisone are often used. All of them have unpleasant side effects, much like those experienced in chemotherapy.”

Thanks to “Ames” for the enlightening blog entry.

And thanks to “Hello Lady” for pointing it out to me.