Crohn's Disease In Developed Countries

Crohn’s disease is most prevalent in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia. The occurrence of this disease is less in developing regions of the world due to the root causes - mainly genetic and being triggered by food habits (more dependence on animal protein in developed countries while in less developed countries a lot more animal protein is consumed) and environmental reasons. Crohn’s disease has been a major problem since the beginning of World War 2 when it was first discovered. The disease has claimed the lives of over two hundred thousand Americans, and has infected almost 1.6 million since 1943. The number of people who have been diagnosed with this disease has increased

Since the drug was developed (and is classified) as a corticosteroid, it has found applications in treating other diseases like Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis too. The cost of 20 tablets of Budesonide is approximately HK$3000 and this would be one course of treatment (for one month). Since Crohn’s disease is prevalent in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, most patients in these countries who are diagnosed with the disease will be able to afford this effective medication. The tablet should be taken once every day in the morning, until the symptoms diminish, which will take around 8 weeks. However, Budesonide has a long list of side effects, and if the drug is not taken correctly, they may be fatal. Some include: “Buffalo Hump, Headache, Muscle weakness, Puffiness of the face (moon face), Facial hair growth, Thinning and easy bruising of the skin, Slow wound healing, temporary blindness, blurred vision, and Loss of diabetes

Therefore, if a person was diagnosed with the disease, they were not be able to receive medication. The only way for them to receive the drug was to order it from overseas, which made the drug more expensive. However, now with the disease being increasingly found in developing countries too, there are local drug companies that have started licensing and manufacturing the same medication.

Crohn’s disease has taken the lives of people, and infected many. It requires treatment to prevent even more deaths. However, thanks to the technological advancements in society and the determination to find a ‘cure’, doctors and scientists have made a breakthrough that has the potential to prevent the increase of the disease and help people suffering from it. Budesonide is one of the most impactful, innovative drugs in the 21st century and is listed in the World Health Organization’s list of essential drugs which is a collection of the most effective and safe medicines that are needed in a health