Category: Medical News

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that impacts the entire digestive tract. Most commonly, it causes inflammation and dysfunction of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

While there is no cure, effective treatments can manage symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the digestive tract affected and the degree of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

*  Diarrhea

*  Abdominal pain and cramping

*  Weight loss

*  Anemia

*  Fatigue

*  Fever

*  Nausea and loss of appetite

*  Joint pain

*  Eye redness

*  Skin changes

Causes

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. In some cases, it may be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the digestive tract.

Risk factors include:

*  Family history

*  Smoking

*  Medications such as birth control, antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen may slightly increase risk.

*  High-fat diet

*  Age. Those in their 20s are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease.

Treatment

Treatment aims to decrease the inflammation in the intestines and prevent complications. A doctor is the best resource for treatment options and an individualized plan. They may recommend:

*Medications:These may be used to decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of the immune system. Some medicines can also relieve symptoms, such as antidiarrheals and pain medication.

*Bowl rest:If the digestive tract is very inflamed, it may need time to rest and heal. Avoiding solid food and drinking only liquids may be required for a brief time. To maintain nutrition, a doctor may recommend liquid supplements or IV nutrition.

*Diet:Specific foods may cause discomfort or pain during a flare-up. Following a healthy diet and paying attention to foods that cause trouble can help manage symptoms.

*Surgery:If other treatments are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove a part of the intestines that has become damaged. This is not a cure but may improve quality of life.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are often advertised as a “safer cigarette.” E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that contain liquid. The liquid heats up when it’s turned on. When someone smokes an e-cigarette, they inhale the vapor from the liquid inside.

E-cigarettes are also called JUULs, vapes, vape pens, e-pens and e-hookahs. Smoking e-cigarettes is often called “vaping.”

Is vaping safe?

E-cigarettes don’t contain tar or tobacco like regular cigarettes.

But, the liquid inside an e-cigarette contains high levels of nicotine. Nicotine is addictive, so it’s hard to stop using it. It also raises blood pressure and can lead to a heart attack.

The liquid in e-cigarettes also contains other chemicals, which may include:

*  Acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde, which can cause lung and heart disease

*  Acrolein, a weed killer that can cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

*  Diacetyl, which can cause serious lung disease

*  Benzene, which is found in car exhaust

*  Volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that can cause cancer

*  Propylene glycol, which is toxic to cells

*  Heavy metals, including nickel, tin and lead

The vapor that a person breathes out of an e-cigarette is called secondhand emissions. It may also contain some of these chemicals. This can make e-cigarettes harmful to people who are nearby, even if they’re not smoking it.

A major problem with youth

The American Lung Association says e-cigarette use among teens is becoming an epidemic. E-cigarette fruit and candy-like flavorings often appeal to kids and teens. They may think that e-cigarettes are safe. According to the U.S. Institutes of Health, most kids believe the liquid inside is for flavor only.

Nicotine contained in the vaporized liquid is especially harmful to young people. Nicotine can damage a teens’ developing brain. It also makes them more likely to smoke regular cigarettes later.

Get help quitting

The Food and Drug administration says e-cigarettes are not a safe or effective way to quit smoking. Instead, you may be replacing one unhealthy habit with a different one.

If you want to quit smoking or vaping, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go tosmokefree.gov

Sources: American Lung Association, National Institutes of Health