CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease is one of several digestive disorders that fall under the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have Crohn’s or another IBD, your digestive system is prone to inflammation that causes potentially severe symptoms, including:

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• Diarrhea

• Abdominal cramping

• Pain

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Bloody stool

• Reduced appetite

• Weight loss

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Although Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, symptoms in the ileum (small intestine) and colon (large intestine, located just before the rectum) are most common. If you have Crohn’s disease, your body releases too much tumor necrosis factor (TNF). While TNF is important for fighting infections, too much TNF attacks healthy tissue, such as that in your GI tract. 

Crohn’s disease can be so severe that your intestines narrow to the point of obstructing your bowels. The inflammation also causes strictures and adhesions, which might block off your GI tract. You can also develop ulcers all along your digestive tract.

Doctors individualize treatments for Crohn’s disease based on your particular symptoms. Common recommendations include: 

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• Anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids to relieve inflammation

• Immune system suppressors to stop your body from attacking healthy tissue

• Antibiotics to control harmful bacteria and heal fistulas

• Antidiarrheals to control watery stools

• Acetaminophen to alleviate mild pain

• Supplements (iron, calcium, vitamins B12 and D) to counteract deficiencies

Depending on the severity of your case, you may also need a feeding tube or intravenous nutrition to bypass your GI tract so it can rest and heal. Your doctor may also need to remove parts of your colon or to surgically repair fistulas and abscesses. Traditional medications and surgery can have serious side effects.

The many chemical compounds contained in medical cannabis, including cannabinoids, reduce inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease. With medical cannabis, you may be able to reduce or withdraw from other medications while still experiencing symptom relief. Benefits of medical cannabis for Crohn’s disease include:

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• Increased appetite

• Less pain

• Less diarrhea

• Less nausea

• Better weight gain

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If you have Crohn’s disease, find out if medical marijuana can help you alleviate symptoms and gain healthy weight by contacting Coastal Wellness Centers today.