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Crohn's will never keep me out of the limelight

(Daily Express 28/07/2009)

I think a few people on the set of Emmerdale will be surprised to find out I have Crohn's disease because it's under control now. It wasn't always like this. When I turned 20 I began to get a lot of stomach pain which doctors thought was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Even though I tried to avoid foods that upset my digestive system, such as coffee and Chinese takeaways, I was still sick and tired and I kept losing weight.

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Crohn's disease researchers in plea for study volunteers

(The Scotsman 17/11/2008)

Edinburgh University is conducting a new study into the prevention of the disease - a condition that causes swelling and ulceration of the gut wall. This new study at the university will test whether a drug, 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP), which is currently given to ease symptoms of an attack, could also be used to prevent recurrence of the disease after surgery.

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The 'intelligent pill' that helps the medicine go down exactly where it's needed

(Daily Mail 12/11/2008)

An 'intelligent pill' has been developed that can pinpoint where drugs are needed in the body and deliver them to that precise spot. The capsule contains a microprocessor, battery, wireless radio, pump and drug reservoir and can treat digestive tract disorders such as Crohn's disease or colon cancer. The 'iPill' can pinpoint its location in the gut by measuring acidity and then release drugs.

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Bacterium 'to blame for Crohn's'

(BBC 21/10/2008)

Researchers believe the lack of a specific bacterium in the gut may be a cause of Crohn's disease. A shortage of naturally-occurring bacteria is thought to trigger the inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder by over-stimulating the immune system. Now a French team has highlighted the bug, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which they show secretes biochemicals that reduce inflammation.

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How to tackle Crohn's Disease without the help of drugs

(Daily Mail 11/10/2008)

John was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after a colonoscopy and blood tests. Periods of remission do occur but flare-ups produce stomach cramps, nausea and severe digestive problems. But at Addenbrooke's Hospital, gastroenterologist Professor John Hunter and his team identify foods that act as a 'trigger' for symptoms, eliminate them from a patient's diet and 'switch off' the disease.

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Space food

(BBC 10/10/2008)

Doctors are examining if food given to astronauts can provide long-term help to children with Crohn's disease. The food is easier to digest because it contains treated amino acids, which can normally be difficult for the body to process. It has been found to have short-term benefits for patients with the digestive system disorder, but experts want to look at whether they continue.

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