Crohn's wife...check this out...
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| Sat, 02-18-2006 - 12:46pm |
In this disease, your body's immune system attacks the digestive tract, causing inflammation of the small and large intestines. The resulting pain, irritation and diarrhea can be tough to treat.
Doctors often use anti-inflammatories, like Prednisone or salicylates. Patients often need surgery. Now, things may be looking up.
In one study, a cancer drug called methotrexate reduced the recurrence of the disease by blocking the immune system. In another, a growth hormone along with a high-protein diet increased the comfort and decreased the symptoms without a lot of side effects.
If you have Crohn's Disease, talk to your doctor about both new treatments. You may want to wait for more research but both treatments are currently available.
Mutation Found
A genetic mutation may cause the kind of Crohn's Disease that runs in families. Crohn's can be hard to diagnose and its causes remain elusive. That's why this new discovery, based on the work of two teams of doctors, is such a big deal.
Researchers found the mutation in a gene called NOD2 increased the chances of developing an inherited form of Crohn's which accounts for about 25 percent of all cases.
The gene leads to an abnormal immune response to bacteria and could cause the kind of inflammation seen in Crohn's Disease. Other genetic mutations could explain the non-inherited cases.
Discovered these abnormal genes could lead to a simple blood test and even, someday, to a cure.
Hope this gives you something to think about. Have a good weekend. How is your hubby doing??





