Does Stress Cause Crohn's or Colitis or is it a by-product
Sat, March 24, 2012 5:01 PM
I heard on my local radio station in Detroit WJR, that our current Mayor, David Bing is being hospitalized for Colitis. The announcer of course had a local physician on the program to interview about the disease, what it was, the symptoms and causes.
The announcer said that he had heard that the common cause of Colitis was stress. The doctor responded that there could be several causes, but didn't think stress was the most likely. He suggested that the most probable cause was taking powerful antibiotics. I was just wondering, if stress is more of a bio-product of Colitis or Crohn's or is it the other way around? Any thoughts on this? Or has there been any research that indicates that stress may in fact be a culprit in causing and keeping this disease going..? Thanks,
Jim
Joined Jun 19, 2010
Sun, April 15, 2012 5:19 AM
Reply posted for jgonsman50.
I firmly believe that stress is the foundation for all illnesses, CD being one of them. Stress pokes holes in our immune system, making it easier for harmful things to invade our bodies. Stress may not be the total cause but it is definitely part of the problem.
Joined Nov 22, 2011
Tue, March 27, 2012 11:20 AM
Reply posted for jgonsman50.
I don't know how to interpret the word "cause" in regards to Crohn's disease. I'm beginning to think that no one (including the medical doctors) really know that either.
I'm pretty comfortable with the category "Autoimmune Disease" which I really do think Crohn's really does fall into. But I guess, you are kind of born with this malady in the beginning, so in all fairness, there really is no cause for Crohn's. With that being said, even though "stress" does not cause Crohn's, it does a lot to worsen the condition. I've found that to be true for myself, and from what I've heard out there from others of you as well. So, I think I'm going to work on finding out the best ways I can reduce stress in my life and consequently take out one important variable that can lead to Crohn's flare-ups. Maybe make some life style changes, be serious about working out more, etc.
Joined Jun 19, 2010
Mon, March 26, 2012 12:32 PM
Reply posted for jgonsman50.
For me, my past flare ups where stressed related. probably a coincidence, but I find that when I have a lot of stress at home or at work, I relapse. Although I know, cause several doctors have told me, that it is not the cause, it contributes to the flares.
Joined Apr 22, 2008
Mon, March 26, 2012 10:51 AM
Reply posted for jgonsman50.
For me personally, stress has caused my flare ups in the past. When I first got sick with Crohns, I was in college and it was right before finals. I had my next major flare up exactly a year later when, once again, I was studying for finals. Anytime I am super stressed I get a belly ache. So I do believe that stress plays a big role in developing disease.
Joined Sep 18, 2010
Alrightalright