Crohn’s Disease

Written By Scott Fiore

Crohn’s Disease and Medical Marijuana

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different patients. As many as 780,000 Americans have the condition, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. It can be both painful and debilitating and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many individuals with Crohn's disease can have long and enjoyable lives.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In Crohn's disease, any part of the small or large intestine can be involved, and it may effect one part or may involve multiple sections of the intestine. In some individuals, the disease is confined to the colon, which is part of the large intestine.

Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe, usually developing gradually, but sometimes could come on suddenly, without warning. There may also be periods when there are no signs or symptoms (remission). When the disease is active, signs and symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea.

  • Fever.

  • Fatigue.

  • Abdominal pain and cramping.

  • Blood in stool.

  • Mouth sores.

  • Reduced appetite and weight loss.

  • Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula).

People with severe Crohn's disease may also experience:

  • Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints.

  • Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts

  • Kidney stones.

  • Iron deficiency anemia.

  • Growth retardation in children.

CROHN’S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS

No single test result is enough for a physician to diagnose Crohn’s disease. The physician might begin by eliminating other possible causes of the symptoms. The following additional types of tests can be done to make a diagnosis:

  • Blood tests can help the physician look for certain indicators of potential problems, such as anemia and inflammation.

  • A stool test can help the physician detect blood in the GI tract.

  • Endoscopy may be requested to get a better image of the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

  • Colonoscopy to examine the large bowel.

  • Imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans give your physician more detail than an average X-ray. Both tests allow your doctor to see specific areas of your tissues and organs.

  • A tissue sample, or biopsy, is taken during an endoscopy or colonoscopy for a closer look at your intestinal tract tissue.

Once your doctor has completed reviewing all the necessary tests and ruled out other possible reasons for your symptoms, they may conclude a Crohn’s disease diagnosis for the patient.

CAUSES

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. In the past, diet and stress were suspected, but now physicians discovered that these factors may aggravate, but don't cause, Crohn's disease. Several factors, such as heredity and a malfunctioning immune system, likely play a role in its development.

  • Immune system: The immune system helps to fight foreign bodies in the process of fighting off the invading microorganism, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, also.

  • Heredity: Crohn's is more common in patients who have family members, especially first degree relatives with the disease, so genes may play a role in making patients more susceptible. Up to 20% of patients with Crohn’s disease also have a parent, child, or sibling with the disease, according to the CCFA.

Other risk factors for Crohn's disease may include:

  • Age: Crohn's disease can occur at any age, but is more common in young individuals, usually before 30 years old.

  • Ethnicity: Although Crohn's disease can affect any ethnic group, the incidence of Crohn's disease is increasing among African-American people who live in North America and the United Kingdom but Caucasians have the highest risk, especially people of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent.

  • Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most important controllable risk factor for developing Crohn's disease. Smoking also leads to more severe diseases and a greater risk of having surgery from Crohn’s disease. If you smoke, it's important to stop to avoid worsening your Crohn's disease.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications: These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), diclofenac sodium and others. Although they may not be a direct cause, they can lead to inflammation of the bowel which can make Crohn's disease worse.

COMPLICATIONS

  • Bowel obstruction.

  • Ulcers.

  • Fistulas.

  • Anal fissure.

  • Malnutrition.

  • Colon cancer.

  • Anemia.

  • Skin disorders.

  • Osteoporosis.

  • Arthritis.

  • Gallbladder or liver disease.

  • Blood clots.

CROHN'S DISEASE AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA

There is some evidence to suggest that medical marijuana might have the potential to ease the inflammation that causes many of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Medical marijuana is made up of many different substances, including cannabinoids, which are responsible for some of the effects of the drug. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which scientists believe plays a role in regulating many bodily processes. These processes include:

  • Pain.

  • Mood.

  • Appetite.

  • Gastrointestinal motility.

  • Memory.

  • Emotion.

  • Stress response.

  • Immune function.

How to Get Medical Marijuana to Treat Crohn’s Disease

With the passage of new laws in Virginia in 2021 it is easier than ever to get a Virginia medical marijuana card. All a patient needs to do is schedule an appointment with one of our marijuana providers through our website. You can select any available day and time that works best for you. If you would like to speak directly with our marijuana doctor or schedule an appointment with our supervising physician just give us a call.

Once your medical marijuana appointment is scheduled all you need to do is fill out our intake forms online using our patient portal then wait to see our doctor or one of his physician assistants virtually using telemedicine from any connected device.

Appointments typically last 10 to 15 minutes and medical cannabis certificates can be sent immediately by email after the appointment.

Then patients need to complete their medical cannabis card application with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. This process usually takes about 5 minutes and we have multiple video walkthroughs to show patients exactly what they need to do.

If you believe you have Crohn’s disease or any other medical condition that could benefit from medical marijuana then schedule your appointment today by clicking on the Book An Appointment button below. All costs are 100% refundable if you feel medical marijuana is not the right treatment option for you by the end of your appointment.

Scott Fiore
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