Crohns Disease is Inflammation

Crohns Disease is irritated bowels that goes on for life.  It can be treated and you can find ways to travel and do everything you are used to, however you need to plan better and do some logistical research so you know where bathrooms are, and the where about of foods you can tolerate.

One thing for certain is that Crohns Disease involves inflammation of the lining of the intestine in many cases.  This is a result of a very strong response by the immune system which is not effective, or over effective.  See the walls and lining of the intestine pushing about and becoming inflamed as the virus or bacteria are being attacked by the immune system.

Crohns can cause swelling, inflammation, blocking, pushing out fistulas),, or breaking through the lining.

Diagram of how Crohn’s Attacks all 3 layers of the stomach lining

Types of Crohn’s Disease

 Crohns disease usually manifests itself in the last part of the small intestine, and the first part of the large intestine, but can be found anywhere in the entire digestive tract,, which is one thing that distinguishes it from ulcerative colitis. Sometimes (10%) of patients it is not possible to distinguish between the two.

The innermost layer is responsible for absorbing nutrients and protein. People who have Crohns have a hard time absorbing what they need, in addition to heavy diarrhea where the food passes too quickly.

Diagram of the mucosa layer of the stomach lining

The middle layer of the intestinal wall is smooth muscle which contracts and pushes the food through the intestinal tube. It can push it too fast, or not push at all. Neither is good.

Diagram of the middle layer of muscles in the stomach lining

The inner walls of the intestines are lined with intestinal Villi, which are tubes that stick out from the lining in order to absorb food nutrients and vitamins. The Villi increase the surface are where absorption takes place.

Picture of the Intestinal Villi

Crohns Disease and Bowel Diseases