Jami Thomason
SC131: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Unit 3 Assignment
Kaplan University
10/28/2014
I have chosen to write my Unit 3 assignment topic on Crohn’s disease, which is also known as Crohn syndrome and regional enteritis, is a form of autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease gets its name and was first discovered by Dr. Burrill B. Crohn in 1932, it is known to possibly have affected as many as 700,000 Americans. This disease can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract between the mouths to the anus and is caused by a combination of environmental, immune and bacterial factors. With Crohn’s disease the body’s immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract believed to be directed towards …show more content…
Recent research results suggest hereditary, genetics, and or environmental factors may also contribute to the development of the disease. In most cases the gastrointestinal tract or GI tract contains bacteria many of which assist in the body’s digestion process that are harmless to the bodily system. In most cases our body’s immune system will attack and kill unknown antigens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms while the harmless bacteria found within the intestines stay protected from these …show more content…
One of the most common test conducted with diagnosing the disease is a colonoscopy which is approximately 70% effective in diagnoses while other tests are less effective. There’s no cure for Crohn’s disease and remission may not be possible or prolonged in cases, but where remission is possible relapse can be prevented and symptoms may be controlled with use of properly assigned medications, lifestyle and dietary or eating habits, reducing stress, moderate activity and exercise. As long as the disease is properly controlled in most cases Crohn’s will not restrict daily living or activities. The following medications are used to treat Crohn’s disease include 5-aminosalicylic acid formulations, prednisone, immunomodulators such as azathioprine (6-mercaptopurine), methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, and natalizumab. Hydrocortisone may also be used but is only suggested in severe cases. As an effect of Crohn’s disease an excessive amount of blood may be lost from the GI tract as well as chronic inflammation that often lead to anemia in patients which may cause the patient to need iron supplements as well. Other treatments, such as blood transfusion for those who are cardiovascularly unstable and surgery for those who have partial or full blockage of the intestine, may also be used but are not a cure for