Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms and Risk Factors
As a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease tends to affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Still, it should be stressed that this condition usually manifests in the small intestine and colon. The mentioned disorder exhibits features of inflammation and ulcers.
The latter ones may cause a wide range of symptoms, involving abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, and anemia (Cushing & Higgins, 2021). The scholarly dimension still cannot determine the specific causes of Crohn’s disease. Still, several theoreticians point to the combination of genetics, the immune system, and the environment within the given framework.
Crohn’s disease can occur in any person at any age, and it affects both sexes. However, according to numerical data, the majority of manifestations occur in people aged 15-35 (Cushing & Higgins, 2021). In line with Cushing & Higgins’ (2021) findings, the condition appears to occur more often among people of Jewish descent. Depending on the severity of their ailment, the affected may exhibit mild to severe symptoms. In some cases, there may be long periods with no signs at all, whereas in others, occasional flare-ups are common.
Use of Cannabis to Relieve the Symptoms
At this point, it seems reasonable to state that cannabinoids in cannabis have shown promise in diminishing the symptoms of the illness. Among these are inflammation, nausea, and pain, which can all be alleviated by cannabis. The academic field suggests a variety of beneficial effects associated with cannabinoids, including interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
According to Klier et al. (2019), the intoxicating effects of cannabis are caused by cannabidiol, often known as THC. Given its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, the mentioned option is likely to help treat a range of Crohn’s disease manifestations. Here, it should be stressed that THC has demonstrated significant effects on appetite and weight in the affected population (Klier et al., 2019). The issue is that the condition tends to spark considerable hunger pangs, which are dangerous for one’s nutritional routine.
Hemp also contains cannabidiol (CBD), which does not produce intoxication. Klier et al. (2019) found that CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics may help overcome Crohn’s disease. Given its calming effects, CBD has shown significant results in dealing with the various forms of anxiety and tension that are inherent to affected people.
There is a plethora of cases in which the treatment of Crohn’s disease has been managed utilizing a variety of plans appealing to the effects of cannabis. Even though vaping or smoking cannabis may rapidly relieve symptoms, this cannot be considered the most appropriate option for individuals suffering from respiratory problems. Edibles and tinctures are two ways in which cannabis can be consumed safely. This may lay the foundation for long-lasting effects in those with gastrointestinal issues (Klier et al., 2019). Topical cannabis, such as lotions or balms, has helped alleviate skin conditions for several people living with Crohn’s disease.
References
Cushing, K., & Higgins, P. D. R. (2021). Management of Crohn disease. JAMA, 325(1), 69.
Klier, C. M., de Gier, C., Felnhofer, A., Laczkovics, C., & Amminger, P. G. (2019). A case report of Cannabidiol treatment of a Crohn’s disease patient with anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 40(1), 90–92.