Crohn's Disease

by Dr. Rajesh Shah

Introduction: Crohn’s disease is included in a group of disorders termed as Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The other disease included in this group is Ulcerative Colitis. IBD occurs when the immune system contributes to damage of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract by causing inflammation. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation, deep ulcers and scarring in any portion of the digestive tract from mouth to anus; however, it is most commonly seen in the last part of the small intestine called the terminal ileum and the caecum.

Causes: Crohn’s disease is a rare disorder that has auto-immunity playing an important role in its initiation. A genetic component has been suggested to cause this condition.

Symptoms: Crohn’s disease is a systemic disease, hence apart from gastro-intestinal symptoms, it can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The main gastrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Weight loss is commonly seen in many patients. Flatulence, bloating, pain and/or itching around the anus is also observed by some patients. Some rare symptoms are difficulty in swallowing, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms outside the gastrointestinal tract include skin rashes, arthritis, fever, anaemia, ophthalmic involvement, osteoporosis, ulcers in the mouth, growth retardation in children, etc.

Suggestion about homeopathic treatment: While treating Crohn’s Disease, the treatment needs to be targeted at the level of the immunity of the patient and the treatment must be able to restore the altered immunity back to normalcy. Homeopathic treatment precisely does this. Crohn’s Disease is a constitutional disorder; hence it calls for in-depth constitutional homeopathic medication. The homeopathic medicine for the patient is selected on the basis of the individual case study, incorporating the study of the disease symptoms as well as the emotional sphere of the patient. With the constitutional homeopathic approach, we have observed very good results in cases of Crohn’s disease. There is definite improvement in the symptoms of the disease as well as control of the further progress of the condition. Homoeopathic treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Related condition: Ulcerative colitis

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