Crohn's Disease Overview

Crohn's disease is a type of bowel disease in which part of the digestive tract becomes swollen. The swelling may be in more than one area of the digestive tract. The swelling may also extend deep into the tissue. It is thought that the immune system plays a role in the swelling. Usually, the immune system keeps the body safe from infection. In Crohn's disease, it sees bacteria that are normal to the digestive tract as a foreign object, so it attacks. When the immune system attacks the digestive tract, a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is released. TNF-α is what causes swelling to occur. Crohn's disease may also be genetic and it occurs more often in people living in big cities.

Crohn's disease causes loose stools, stomach pain, ulcers, and weight loss. You may have these symptoms on and off. It is important to monitor and treat the disease, even when you have no symptoms. If not treated, it can progress and cause more health problems.

There are many drugs that can help with your symptoms. People with Crohn's disease may be on anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone or steroids, drugs that suppress the immune system, or antibiotics. Biologic therapy is used when the disease does not respond to other agents. It is also used if the disease is severe.

The most common biologic therapy used is Remicade® (infliximab). Remicade® is a monoclonal antibody, meaning it is made up of both human and mouse protein. It works by binding to TNF-α in the bloodstream to prevent it from circulating. It also destroys the cells that make TNF-α. This then decreases the swelling caused by Crohn's disease.

Living with Crohn's Disease

By taking your medications, you will be able to keep your Crohn's disease under control. Many people go through long periods of time where they have no symptoms and then have an occasional flare up.

If you are on therapy:

• You will need to learn how to recognize and manage side effects, including knowing when to ask your doctor for help.
• You will need to know what to do when you have a flare up.
• Be sure that you have received a tuberculosis test before you start on Remicade®.
• A nurse will be administering your therapy every two to eight weeks.
• Let your nurse know if you are not feeling well, have a cold, or another infection. You should not get Remicade® if you have an infection.
• Avoid live vaccines when on Remicade®. Some examples of live vaccines include: FluMist® for influenza, Attenuvax® and MMR-II for measles, Mumpsvax®, Orimune® for polio, and RotaTeq® for rotavirus.

It is important to learn all you can about the disease. Doing so will help you understand how you can help with your treatment. To learn more about Crohn's disease, please visit: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/

Healthy Pointers:

• Do not smoke. Smoking can cause your Crohn's disease to worsen.
• Avoid using over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Drink lots of fluids and avoid foods that make your signs and symptoms worse. Limit dairy products and try low-fat foods.
• Maintain a good diet. Small meals help with intestinal cramping.
• Learn how to manage your stress by doing regular exercise, yoga, or deep breathing.

Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.

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