Immune Response in Crohn's Disease

Crohn's is a painful, sometimes debilitating disease with an abnormal immune system response that has no known cause or cure. Crohn's affects all layers of the intestines and can infiltrate the digestive tract from the anus to the mouth.

Immune Response in Crohn's Disease

• The abnormal immune system response in a Crohn's patient attacks normal intestinal flora. According to Crohns.net, the immune system fights against food, normal bacteria and other substances.

Chronic Inflammation

• White blood cells gather in the lining of the intestines; and ulcerations, chronic inflammation and bowel injury can occur. High levels of a protein called tumor necrosis factor produced by the overactive immune system have been found in Crohn's patients.

Symptoms

• The immune system attacks cause the intestines to evacuate food and liquids. The patient endures bouts of diarrhea, gas, vomiting, constipation and chronic pain.

Symptom Relief

• The immune system abnormalities of Crohn's disease can cause problems that create devastating symptoms. These symptoms are suppressed with several medications, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immune modifiers, antibiotics and biologic therapy.

Complications

• The overactive immune system and resulting Crohn's disease symptoms can include arthritis-like symptoms, intestinal blockage, anemia, fissures, stress and lesions.

Patient Insight

• Crohn's disease is a challenge to live with, but the patient can live a fairly normal life with medical supervision and medications.