Chron's

Amber Eads

SOC313: Social Implications of Medical Issues

Crohn’s Disease

INS: Tara Jempty

June 27, 2011

Crohn’s disease has had a negative impact on the lives of many people. This inflammatory bowel disease has many painful and sometimes embarrassing symptoms including both physical and mental. There are many control drugs to help ease the discomfort of the symptoms; however, Crohn’s disease remains incurable. With the help of physicians, mental health professionals, support groups, and other group organizations and programs, people can become educated about the disease as well as learn tools needed to assist them in controlling the symptoms and side effects

What is Cohn’s Disease?

Cohn’s disease is named after the physician, Dr. Burill B. Crohn, who described the disease in 1932. (Dennis Lee, 2007) It also is called granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis. (Dennis Lee, 2007) Cohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It is most commonly found in the lower part of the small intestine. Because Cohn’s is so similar to ulcerative colitis, which also causes ulcers in the intestines and bowel, it is often misdiagnosed. The difference is ulcerative colitis effects the outermost layers of tissue, while Cohn’s can affect every layer causing deep erosions and true ulcers. (Crohn's disease, 2011) These two diseases are two different diseases; however, they are typically grouped as one under the classification of IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Symptoms included in IBD are: painful abdominal cramping, weight loss, malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, nausea, rectal bleeding and fatigue. While there is no cure for Cohn’s, there are many medications and treatments that can help ease the symptoms of Cohn’s. This in turn leads to greater confidence and a better emotional outlook.

Psycho Social Effects of Cohn’s DiseaseCohn’s...