Page 38 - Robeson Living Spring 2022

The Invisible Illness:

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Painful. Debilitating. Exhausting. Unpredictable. Isolating. anxiety among IBD sufferers and a recent study suggests that
Embarrassing. Overwhelming. Stressful. up to 32% may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

These are a few of the words that people living with Crohn’s To raise awareness and educate the public about IBD, the US
disease use to describe their condition. Senate passed a resolution in 2011 to establish the annual
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week from December 1-7. For
Approximately 780,000 Americans suffer from Crohn’s, an this year’s Awareness Week the Crohn’s and Colitis Founda-
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of tion is encouraging people living with IBD to #SpillYourGuts
the gastrointestinal tract. No one knows exactly what causes by sharing their stories on social media to help make #IBDVis-
Crohn’s, although experts believe that a combination of fac- ible.
tors, including genetics, immune system response and environ-
ment, all play a role. While there is no cure for Crohn’s, the disease can be managed
with one or more of of the following treatments:
With Crohn’s disease the body mistakes good bacteria for harm-
ful invaders and launches an attack against itself. The result is Medication
chronic inflammation, ulcers and other painful symptoms, in- There are medications that suppress the body’s inflammatory
cluding diarrhea, abdominal cramps and rectal bleeding. response, providing much-needed relief from the symptoms
associated with Crohn’s disease. Sometimes several medica-
People with Crohn’s disease may not appear sick, especially tions are used together.
since the disease can stay “quiet” for extended periods of time
between flare-ups. Having an invisible illness can significantly Diet And Nutrition
impact mental health; there are higher rates of depression and

Page 38 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2022