What+is+Crohn's+&Colitis?

What is Crohn's Disease?

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A quick overview...

 * **[|Crohn's disease]**is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can affect any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon.
 * **[|Ulcerative colitis]** is a chronic disease of the colon, or large intestine. It appears as inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa, or innermost lining.
 * To determine the **[|diagnosis],** physicians look at the patient's history and physical exam including but not limited to colonoscopy, x-ray, CT scan and biopsy.
 * **[|Symptoms]** include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, painful joints, general weakness, lack of appetite and weight loss
 * The use of medications is one way to **[|treat]** both Crohn's and Colitis. Other treatments include surgery, nutrition and exercise

Women's issues...

 * 20% of those diagnosed are women.
 * Women reported a higher rate and severity of physical symptoms and psychological factors
 * Women also reported a significant decrease in quality of life or the ability to live a "normal" life
 *  Medication can help reduce symptoms, but it does not address the numerous issues that women are faced with including self-image, depression, worry, [|emotional factors], [|relationships], [|nutrition], [|travel]