Understanding Crohn's Disease
What you should know about Crohn's
ENTYVIO is for adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease when certain other medications have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated.
Patient Portrayal
Number of Americans affected by Crohn's. Crohn's disease can occur at any age, but is more prevalent in young adults.
The causes of Crohn's disease
The true causes of Crohn's are not completely understood. What we do know is that if you or a close relative have the disease, your family members may be at an increased chance of Crohn's. Researchers believe that a combination of hereditary, genetic, and/or environmental factors may contribute to the development of Crohn's. Diet and stress may aggravate Crohn's, but they do not cause the disease on their own.
How Crohn's disease affects you
Crohn's is the result of an abnormal immune system response, during which your body mistakes certain bacteria and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances. It then sends white blood cells into the intestines, where they create inflammation. Normally, this would cause a temporary inflammation that would resolve itself. But with Crohn's, researchers believe that once your immune system is "turned on," it doesn't know how to "properly turn off." As a result, chronic inflammation damages the intestine and causes the symptoms of Crohn's.
How is Crohn's disease affecting your day-to-day?
Crohn's is a chronic disease, and some patients may experience their disease worsening over time.
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Your Crohn's disease may not be under control if you're taking special steps to accommodate your symptoms, such as:
- Avoiding eating
- Making sure you always know where the nearest bathroom is
- Always carrying a change of clothes
It's important to understand how your condition is affecting you so you can explain it to your doctor. Use the doctor discussion guide to help you prepare for your discussion with your doctor.
