Crohn’s Disease is a condition suffered by many young men and women all around the world. Though more prevalent in Northern US and Canada, the disease has found its way to the farthest reaches across the globe. It is found more commonly in females and presents ages 20-30 years, though not strictly. The disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease and can affect any part in the gastrointestinal tract. Once known as auto immune, it is now classified as immune deficiency. No cure has been found, but researchers work diligently to reduce the effects throughout a Crohn’s patient’s life.

Crohn’s Disease was given its name in 1932 by gastroenterologist Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, whom it was respectively named after. Previous to this, many cases appeared and recorded as early as 1682 which was when the first description of the condition was made by the Italian physician Giovanni Battista Morgagni. It was described as “…a young man with a chronic, debilitating illness and diarrhea” (Bellany, 2005). Since then, more and more cases have arrived and continues to effect thousands of people worldwide.

This condition falls under a medical category known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBD. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. While very similar and often confused with one another, they have many different, as well as common symptoms. Less common forms are known as collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis and Behcet’s disease. Crohn’s Disease may affect the gastrointestinal tract but more commonly at the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon. The direct causes for Crohn’s are still yet to be determined by doctors and researchers but many theories have arisen. It is said to be aggravated by diet and stress and may cause it to present “…but they do not cause the disease on their own. Recent research suggests hereditary, genetics and/or environmental factors contribute to the development of Crohn’s Disease” (What is Crohn’s Disease, n.d.).

The symptoms usually remain in the digestive tract and can range from dull pain to debilitating intestinal obstructions and organ removal. Among these include abdominal pain which is caused by inflammation of the intestine, diarrhea, bloody stool, fever and weight loss. Nutritional deficiencies such as low levels of fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid iron and B12 occur due to the intestines being unable to absorb these nutrients. Crohn’s Disease is considered immune deficient, so the symptoms may exceed passed the GI tract and move to other organs and extremities. Examples being “…joint pain, eye problems, a skin rash, or liver disease” (Romito, Vanagunas, 2010).

Humira is a prescription medication that is intended for the sole use of reducing symptoms of Crohn’s and achieving clinical remission with IBD patients. It is an injection that is administered by the patient. This helps to achieve a better sense of independence from the drug, and allows the patient to feel more in control of the illness. The results have been very conclusive. An article from Humira’s web page (n.d.) states:

In two clinical studies, more than half of the patients who took HUMIRA had significant symptom relief, versus about 1 out of 3 who took placebo. In the same studies, 36% and 21% of patients who took HUMIRA achieved remission, versus 12% and 7% who took placebo.

The statistics prove its effectiveness; however the side effects have turned some Crohn’s sufferers away. Serious infections such as Tuberculosis have occurred from Humira treatment. It also increases the chance of cancerous cells developing in the body, steering many patients away from the chance of Humira induced remission. Other medications such as Azathioprine, Prednisone, Mercaptopurine, Infliximab and Asacol are also available to Crohn’s patients.

Many patients have turned to alternative methods of treatment for their IBD. A strict liquid diet and maintaining intake of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids which is found in abundance in fish and flax seed oils has shown results to reduce inflammation; though it remains inconclusive, and does not prove effective to reducing IBD symptoms in all patients. “Other studies are just beginning to examine the possibility that probiotics or ‘good’ bacteria may be beneficial in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. More studies are needed, though, to make it clear whether or not these supplements can aid in healing the intestine in IBD” (Seibert, 2011). The poplar beverage Kombucha is known to contain billions of live bacteria cultures and “good” bacteria. It is considered mandatory in a IBD sufferer’s diet plan.