Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can have a wide range of symptoms that include diarrhea, weight loss, cramps, blood in the stools, tiredness, low energy as well as constipation. Crohn's Disease can be difficult to diagnose because of the similarities that it has with Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
While you may have some of the symptoms of Crohn's Disease, you need to be checked out by your doctor or a gastroenterologist to see if that is indeed the case. If your doctor thinks that you may have Crohn's Disease you will likely undergo a series of tests to see if you do have the condition.
Some of the tests that your doctor may give you include a blood test checking for anaemia, elevated white blood cells as this can indicate an inflammatory condition, infection or possibly Crohn's Disease. They will also check the platelet count, when this above normal it can also indicate infection or active inflammation.
Your doctor may also get you to do a non invasive stool test which will be sent to the laboratory for testing. This can tell if you have a bacterial infection and also help determine if you have Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Another test that your doctor may want you to do is an endoscopy. An endoscope is a thin, flexible lighted tube that is connected to a video monitor and a computer. An endoscopy is performed by inserting an endoscope in to the rectum or mouth. This provides your doctor with a very detailed view of the intestinal tract. When having the procedure small biopsies will probably be taken for further examination. This can provide more information and help in the diagnosis of Crohn's Disease.
There are several other tests that your doctor can use to determine if you have Crohn's Disease, when the tests above do not provide enough information or aren't conclusive enough. Once you have been diagnosed you can start to do something about it.
Dealing with any health problem can be an emotional and stressful time. With the right information and help you can make sure Crohn's Disease doesn't have a negative effect on your life long term. Once you know you have Crohn's there are several things that you can do to help yourself using natural therapies, supplements, lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and stress management.
These help your body heal and get back in to tip top shape and stay off harsh drugs, medications and avoid surgery.
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