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Crohn’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you ever truly want to understand Crohn's disease, you must speak with people who have the condition as their constant companion. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which a person diagnosed with it can experience unpredictable cramps and may have to rush to the bathroom frequently. But life needs people with Crohn's disease to put a brave front, and thankfully, medical science has made enough progress to help patients live a better life with the help of effective treatment. Read on to explore everything you should know about Crohn's disease, as awareness is the first step towards managing its symptoms.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

The causes of Crohn’s disease are still not clear. However, here are some factors which may be reasons behind Crohn’s disease —

• Genetic:

Crohn’s disease tends to run in families. If you have a family history of the disease, you are at an increased risk of developing it. However, many people with Crohn’s disease have no family history.

• Dysfunctional immune system:

When your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues in the digestive tract, it can lead to inflammation.

Symptoms Of Crohn’s Disease

Some of the early symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• Abdominal cramps

• Fever

• Diarrhoea

• Lack of appetite

• Blood in stool

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Nausea and vomiting

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Individuals with Crohn’s disease will have inflamed joints, eyes and skin, ulcers, perianal fistula (pain or drainage near the anus), anaemia, inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, and kidney stones. Children with Crohn’s disease may have delayed growth and development.

Diagnosis Of Crohn’s Disease

As the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to those of food poisoning or an upset stomach, your healthcare provider will use a combination of tests for diagnosing Crohn’s disease.

• Physical exam:

The doctor will perform a physical exam to look for tenderness or swelling in your belly.

• Stool tests:

A stool sample is tested for bacteria or parasites.

• Blood tests:

These are done to look for anaemia, any signs of inflammation, or infection in your body. If there’s active inflammation, the C-reactive protein (CRP) may be elevated.

• Procedures:

Diagnostic procedures, such as CT scan, MRI, capsule endoscopy, and colonoscopy, will take images or videos of your digestive tract.

Types of Crohn’s Disease

There are five types of Crohn’s disease —

1. Jejunoileitis:

In this type, you will have patches of inflammation in the jejunum, i.e., the upper half of your small intestine.

2. Ileocolitis:

This is the most common type of Crohn’s disease in which there’s inflammation in your colon and the last part of your small intestine.

3. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease:

Your duodenum and stomach will get inflamed.

4. Ileitis:

Only your small intestine gets inflamed and swollen.

5. Crohn’s colitis:

In this type, only your colon gets affected.

Complications Associated

The complications associated with Crohn’s disease include —

1. Fistula:

This is an abnormal passage or connection between different parts of your intestine or the intestine and other organs such as skin, bladder, or vagina.

2. Bowel obstruction:

Due to inflammation, the intestine wall can become narrow, leading to blockage. This can cause severe abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, and vomiting.

3. Anal fissure:

Small tears in the lining of your anus can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

4. Colon cancer:

As Crohn’s disease affects the colon, there’s a greater risk of developing colon cancer.

5. Blood clots:

People with Crohn’s disease have an increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries.

6. Skin disorder:

People with Crohn’s disease may be at risk of developing skin disorders, such as abscesses and deep nodules in the groin, armpits, under the breasts, or genital area.

7. Abscess:

Due to the infection or inflammation, pockets of pus can develop on the walls of your intestines or surrounding tissues, leading to severe pain.

8. Malnutrition:

Inflammation and damage to the intestines can make it difficult for your body to absorb enough nutrients, leading to malnutrition.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, though Crohn’s disease treatment can help manage the condition and improve quality of life. Some common treatment options include —

• Medications:

Doctors prescribe medications to reduce inflammation, treat infections, and suppress the immune system. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, immunomodilators, pain relievers, antidiarrheals, and biologics.

• Surgery:

Doctors recommend surgery if medications, diet, or other treatments don’t improve your condition. The types of surgeries include bowel resection, strictureplasty, fistula repair, and colectomy.

• Lifestyle changes:

Avoid spicy or high-fibre foods, which can trigger Crohn's disease symptoms. Quit smoking, as it can increase the risk of complications, and drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Practising stress-management techniques, like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Stress doesn't cause Crohn's disease but can worsen symptoms.

• Nutrition therapy:

To meet the overall nutrition requirement, your doctor may recommend enteral nutrition, a liquid formula diet given by mouth or through a feeding tube for a temporary period. Enteral nutrition may be combined with medications.

Living with Crohn’s Disease: Tips and Support

It can be a challenge for people with Crohn’s disease to live a normal life. It can affect them physically as well as emotionally. However, there are some things which can help cope with the disease and live with it —

• Join a support group:

When you are with people diagnosed with the same disease, it will give you a sense of belonging, assurance, and emotional support. You will also receive updates about the latest medical treatments or therapies.

• Gain knowledge:

Read everything about the disease and how to manage it, and be informed about medical advancements in this field.

• Consult a therapist:

Talking to a professional can help people with Crohn’s disease manage the ailment and find the right treatment.

Conclusion

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which can lead to severe complications if not properly treated. It has no cure, but the right treatment can help ease symptoms, avoid complications, and improve quality of life.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Source: healthline.com, mayoclinic.org, clevelandclinic.org, medicalnewstoday.com

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 4, 2024