Crohn's and Colitis:
Similarities in the Proposed Causes of Both Diseases
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Crohn’s and colitis are two names often used interchangeably. This is appropriate in that both cause inflammation of the digestive tract that can affect the entire digestive system, and both are forms of irritable bowel syndrome. Crohn’s and colitis are both debilitating diseases, causing severe pain, diarrhea, and a host of other troublesome symptoms. If diagnosed with one of these diseases, it is important to understand the nature of the other, since Crohn’s and colitis are so closely related.
Crohn’s and colitis share similar causes. Twin studies of both diseases have demonstrated a high incidence of the diseases in identical twins, suggesting a genetic link. (Though this is true for both Crohn’s and colitis, it is most common in cases of Crohn’s Disease.) Studies of nuclear families have also shown that the two diseases occur commonly within first generations of family.
Another cause of both Crohn’s and colitis may include exposure to toxins or to infection. Some researchers have noted the presence of viruses in the effected tissues. However, there is little evidence to support this, and no one element has been identified as definitely causing either disease.
Faulty immune system responses have also been suggested as a cause of Crohn’s and colitis. This is the logic behind the usage of immune system altering drugs such as methotrexate in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease. Part of this theory of immune system response includes the immune system defense reaction, as the body misidentifies its own tissue as a foreign body that must be attacked.
The ingestion of certain substances may cause or worsen Crohn’s and colitis. Oral contraceptives have been considered as a possible causal factor for Crohn’s and colitis in women. Smoking also increases the chances of occurrence of Crohn’s disease but seems to help ward off Ulcerative Colitis. Smokers are two times as likely to develop Crohn’s Disease. Smokers are half as likely to develop colitis.
Finally, some suggest psychological causes for both Crohn’s and colitis. There is a dearth of evidence to support this theory, but there is evidence that emotional distress may worsen both diseases. Furthermore, the way a patient approaches the disease psychologically can affect the outcome of treatments.
If you are a patient with either Crohn’s or colitis, you should discuss the cause(s) with your doctor. In many cases, they will be unknown and unidentifiable, and will have little effect on the treatment prescribed. However, if you are a smoker, you may be advised to quit smoking if you have Crohn’s Disease. If you are taking an oral contraceptive, your doctor may suggest alternate methods of birth control. If you are in psychological distress (whether related to your disease or not) your doctor may refer you to a counselor to address some of the issues that are affecting your condition. Therefore, it is worth working with your doctor to try to identify potential causes of your disease
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