Eric Hesch has specialized knowledge of the conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, having practiced in this field for more than two decades. One of the conditions he regularly gets consulted about is Crohn’s disease. While its exact causes are still being researched, it’s a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Crohn’s can develop anywhere from the mouth to the rectum, and its symptoms vary according to what part of the tract is affected.
Symptoms sometimes develop outside the GI tract, with the joints and skin the common areas. Specialists have researched on the condition for years, and they have found the disease to be a result of several factors, including the immune system, heredity, and environmental factors (virus, bacteria).
Immune system overreaction
People with Crohn’s disease often have a sensitive immune response. The immune system is the body’s weapon against foreign entities, such as viruses and bacteria. When the immune system is attacked, it enables inflammation of affected cells that helps limit the effects of the foreign invader. Once the bacteria or virus is destroyed, the swelling lessens. In Crohn’s disease, this inflammation doesn’t reduce unless a treatment plan is developed to control it.
In many instances, Crohn’s is confused with ulcerative colitis. While Crohn’s disease affects the small intestines, ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the large intestine. Follow Eric Hesch blog at wordpress: https://erichesch.wordpress.com/
