One kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is Crohn's disease. It results in inflammation (swelling of the digestive system tissues), which can cause severe diarrhea, exhaustion, weight loss, and malnourishment in addition to stomach pain.
Crohn's disease-related inflammation often affects the small intestine but can affect other parts of the digestive tract in different individuals. It is common for this inflammation to extend into the bowel's deeper layers.
In addition to being crippling and agonizing, Crohn's disease can occasionally result in potentially fatal consequences.
Although Crohn's disease has no known cure, treatments can significantly lessen its symptoms, even induce a long-term remission, and help the inflammation heal. Many people with Crohn's disease are able to lead normal lives after receiving therapy.
Signs and symptoms
Any area of your small or large intestine may be affected by Crohn's disease. It could be in one continuous piece or divided into several portions. In certain individuals, the illness solely affects the colon, which is a section of the large intestine.
Crohn's disease can cause minor to severe signs and symptoms. Though they often appear gradually, they can occasionally appear suddenly and without notice. Additionally, there can be times when you exhibit no symptoms at all (remission).
Symptoms that usually appear when the illness is active include:
- The diarrhea.
- High temperature.
- Weary.
- cramps and discomfort in the abdomen.
- Your stool contains blood.
- oral sores.
- decreased hunger and reduction of weight.
- Anus pain or discharge around the anus as a result of irritation from a fistula, a tunnel that enters the skin.
Severe Crohn's disease patients may also have symptoms that are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract, such as:
- Inflammation of the eyes, joints, and skin
- Inflammation of the bile ducts or liver
- Kidney stones
- Low iron levels (anemia)
- Delayed sexual development or growth in children
When to visit a physician
Consult your physician if your bowel habits are consistently changing or if you exhibit any of the following indications and symptoms of Crohn's disease:
- Stomach ache.
- Your stool contains blood.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Vomiting that lasts longer than two weeks.
- Unexpected weight reduction.
- Fever along with any of the symptoms listed above.
Reasons
We still don't know the precise cause of Crohn's disease. Although stress and food were once thought to be contributing factors, medical professionals now understand that these things only worsen Crohn's disease. Its development most likely stems from a number of variables.
- Immune system. There's a chance that a virus or bacteria could cause Crohn's disease, but researchers haven't found one yet. An unusual immune response leads your immune system to attack the cells in your digestive tract as well as the invasive microbe or environmental trigger.
- Genetics. Genes may contribute to an individual's increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, as the condition is more prevalent in those who have family relatives who have it. On the other hand, very few individuals who have Crohn's disease have a family history of the disease
Risk Factors
Crohn's disease risk factors could include:
- Age: Although Crohn's disease can strike at any age, it usually strikes in childhood. The majority of patients with Crohn's disease receive a diagnosis prior to turning thirty years old.
- Ethnicity: All ethnic groups are susceptible to Crohn's disease, although white people are more at risk, particularly those who identify as Ashkenazi Jews, who are descended from Eastern Europe. On the other hand, Black people in North America and the United Kingdom are experiencing an increase in the prevalence of Crohn's disease. Additionally, more Middle Easterners and immigrants to the US are reporting having Crohn's disease.
- Family history: If you have a first-degree relative who has the illness, such as a parent, sibling, or child, your risk is increased. Up to 1 in 5 persons who have Crohn's disease also have a family member who has the condition.
- The greatest significant modifiable risk factor for developing Crohn's disease is cigarette smoking. Moreover, smoking increases the chance of developing a more serious illness and requiring surgery. If you smoke, you should give it up.
- Drugs that are not steroidal anti-inflammatory: These consist of diclofenac sodium, naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other brands), and others. Although they do not directly cause Crohn's disease, they may produce bowel inflammation, which exacerbates the condition.
Difficulties
Any one or more of the following consequences could result from
Crohn's disease:
Anal crack: This is a tiny rip in the skin surrounding the anus, where infections can happen, or in the tissue lining the anus. Frequently linked to uncomfortable bowel motions, it might result in a perianal fistula.
- Starvation: It may be difficult for you to eat or for your gut to absorb enough nutrients to keep you nourished if you have diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramps. Anemia resulting from low iron or vitamin B-12 levels brought on by the illness is also frequently experienced.
- Anal crack: This is a tiny rip in the skin surrounding the anus, where infections can happen, or in the tissue lining the anus. Frequently linked to uncomfortable bowel motions, it might result in a perianal fistula.
- Carcinoma of the colon: Colon cancer risk is increased if you have Crohn's disease that affects your colon. For those without Crohn's disease, general colon cancer screening guidelines recommend a colonoscopy starting at age 45 and repeating at least every ten years. When a person has Crohn's disease that affects a significant portion of the colon, a colonoscopy is usually done every one to two years to screen for colon cancer. This screening should be done approximately eight years after the disease first manifests. Consult your physician about the necessity of undergoing this test.
- Skin conditions: Numerous patients with Crohn's disease may also experience hidradenitis suppurativa. This skin condition affects the armpits, groin, under the breasts, perianal or vaginal area, and causes deep nodules, tunnels, and abscesses.
Other health issues. In other areas of the body, Crohn's disease
can also lead to complications. Anemia (poor iron), osteoporosis, arthritis,
and liver or gallbladder disease are a few of these issues.
- Medication risks: Certain immune system-blocking medications used to treat Crohn's disease have a slight chance of causing cancers like lymphoma and skin cancers. Additionally, they raise the chance of infection.
Treatments
You might choose to add "complementary" treatments to the medication your doctor prescribes in order to improve your immune system, manage your Crohn's disease symptoms, or simply feel better every day. There are numerous solutions available, ranging from mindfulness exercises to herbal cures. However, keep in mind to inform your physician of any new treatments you wish to attempt. They can assist you in determining what is likely to be helpful and safe.
Probiotics
While bacteria are present in the stomach by nature, individuals with Crohn's disease may have an imbalance in these bacteria. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria in an effort to rebalance the body. Foods such as miso, sauerkraut, and "live culture" yogurt contain them. Additionally, probiotic pills or capsules are an option. Are they effective? More research is required, but scientists have discovered a number of strains that appear promising, including one known as Bifidobacterium. They normally have moderate side effects, such as gas and bloating, so feel free to try them.
- Prebiotics
These organic compounds are found in several foods and serve as fuel for the beneficial bacteria that are proliferating in your digestive system. Grab them from the dandelions greens, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and leeks. There is no proof, according to studies, that including more prebiotic foods in your diet can improve your symptoms. However, once more, if you choose to try them, they won't harm you.
- Fish Oils
They're also known as omega-3 fatty acids, and they're a well-liked treatment for a wide range of inflammatory health issues. Eating fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, will provide you with them. They come in pill form as well. Will they lessen the intestinal inflammation that Crohn's disease causes? Scientists are uncertain. If you want to try them, though, they're usually safe. Simply inform your physician before beginning to take them.
- Aloe Vera
The plant's juice is used as a skin treatment, but some individuals say it can also aid with gastrointestinal issues. It can cause diarrhea, and there is no proof that it works. Additionally, it could boost your immune system, which might be problematic if you have Crohn's disease.
- Milk of Camel
This milk can be helpful if your Crohn's disease prevents you from
getting adequate nutrients. It's rich in vitamins A, B2, C, and E, as well as
minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. It has less fat
and cholesterol as well. Some believe it may help alleviate Crohn's disease
symptoms because it contains proteins and antioxidants that can fight
inflammation. However, further research is required to address that question.