Crohn's Disease Essay

What is Crohn’s Disease?
I chose to research Crohn’s disease because one of my friend’s that I grew up with was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and I would like to know more about it. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) that belongs to a group of conditions known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) (What is Crohn's Disease?, 2014). Crohn’s disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder because the antibodies that the body produces work against itself (Your Body and Crohn's Disease, 2014). Individuals with Crohn’s disease have blockage in the intestinal wall that leads to edema—over time the narrowing and stiffness of the intestines stops all bowel movements (Hopper, 2012). This report outlines how Crohn’s disease affects the body, who is at risk, history, various treatment options, and different support groups available for people who have Crohn’s and want to know more about it.

History of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease was named

I thought it was interesting that Crohn’s disease wasn’t named after Burrill Crohn particularly—he was just one of the authors who did research on the disease and his name was first due to his last name being in the beginning of the alphabet. Also, the different stages of Crohn’s disease and the different medications that can help with the symptoms of the disease. The research on Crohn’s disease is still going on today. At the end of this paper, there is an attachment that outlines major advances in Crohn’s research—from the very first description of Crohn’s disease in 1769 to the discovery of the first gene mutation in 2001. One day hopefully a cure will be in place for Crohn’s disease but until then lifestyle changes, medications, and support groups are available for those that need it or would like to know more about