Causes

The exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate, but don't cause, Crohn's disease. Several factors, such as heredity and a malfunctioning immune system, likely play a role in its development.

• Immune system. It is possible that a virus or bacteria may trigger Crohn's disease; however, scientists have yet to identify such a trigger. When our immune system tries to fight off the invading microorganism, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too.
• Heredity. Crohn's is more common in people who have family members with the disease, so genes may play a role in making people more susceptible. However, most people with Crohn's disease don't have a family history of the disease.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Crohn's disease may include:

• Age. Crohn's disease can occur at any age, but it likely to develop the condition when in young. Most people who develop Crohn's disease are diagnosed before they are around 30 years old.
• Ethnicity. Although Crohn's disease can affect any ethnic group, whites have the highest risk, especially people of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent. However, the incidence of Crohn's disease is increasing among Black people who live in North America and the United Kingdom.
• Family history. One at higher risk if one have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease. As many as 1 in 5 people with Crohn's disease has a family member with the disease.
• Cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is the most important controllable risk factor for developing Crohn's disease. Smoking also leads to more-severe disease and a greater risk of having surgery. If one smoke, it's important to stop.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Complications

Crohn's disease may lead to one or more of the following complications:

• Bowel obstruction.
• Ulcers.
• Anal Fissure
• Fistula

• Colon cancer.
• Other health problems.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

1. Merc Sol-

Useful for Crohn’s disease when there is too much blood in stools with tenesmus and other symptoms. There are frequent stools with blood being discharged almost every time. Useful for patient who sweats most of the time. There is a creeping sort of chilliness in the back.

2. Nux Vomica

Useful for Crohn’s disease when the problem has occurred from living a high life.Useful when patient is usually chilly who cannot tolerate cold. He is unusually angry and that too at trifles.

3. Arsenic Album

Best homeopathic medicines for Crohn’s disease where there is anxiety and restlessness. There is extreme weakness .There is increased thirst for water, though the patient takes a small quantity or a sip at a time.

4. Baptisia

Very useful for Crohn’s disease when there is low grade fever present along with other symptoms. There is offensive, thin and watery stool.Useful whern there is great muscular soreness all over the body as if bruised and beaten.Given when appetite is reduced or next to nil.There is constant desire for water.

5. Phosphorus

Most recommended medicines for Crohn’s disease when there is intense thirst for cold water. Recommended for tall and thin consirutional patient having copious diarrhoea. There is watery stool with profuse bleeding  Recommended when patients feels too weak and more so after passing a stool.

RL 36