Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term comprising two gastrointestinal conditions, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It refers to the inflammation of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease has no identified cause however, it is believed to be the result of a weak immune system.
This blog will be focused on Crohn’s disease, its symptoms, causes, and its effect on overall health. Although there is no definite cure for Crohn’s disease, several Research Organizations conduct clinical trials that may be able to help people suffering from Crohn’s disease.
What happens in Crohn’s Disease?
In Crohn’s disease, there is inflammation of the digestive tract, specifically the ileum and colon of the small intestine. It is a debilitating condition that can even spread to deeper layers of the bowel creating a mess in the digestive tract. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease range from mild to severe depending on the condition of the affected person.
Also Read: Crohn’s Disease and Life Expectancy
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition. It may come in episodes or may be continuous. The prominent symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Diarrhea,
- Fatigue,
- Fever,
- Abdominal pain,
- Cramps,
- Blood in stool, and
- Mouth sores
Causes of Crohn’s Disease
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease has not yet been identified. However, several factors might be involved and those include:
- Immune system: The immune system is believed to react in response to a trigger that can be anything from microorganisms to environmental factors. This results in the immune system fighting the foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Heredity: Crohn’s disease is more common in people with a family history of the disease. However, it is not always true. People without a family history can also be affected by Crohn’s disease.
Risk Factors Associated With Crohn’s Disease
Some of the risk factors include:
- Age: Crohn’s disease is a disease of any age. However, it is more common in people aged 30 years and above.
- Family History: Crohn’s disease, as discussed above, is more common in people who have a history of Crohn’s disease in their family.
- Smoking: It is one of the most common causative factors for a variety of conditions, and Crohn’s disease is one of them.
- NSAIDs: Regular use of NSAIDs are considered to cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Complications of Crohn’s Disease
- Intestinal blockage: The entire intestinal wall thickness can be impacted by Crohn’s disease. Parts of the bowel may scar and constrict over time, which can obstruct the flow of digestive contents and is frequently referred to as a stricture. Surgery might be necessary to remove the unhealthy part of your bowel or to widen the stricture.
- Ulcers: Anywhere in your digestive tract, including your mouth, anus, and the genital region, chronic inflammation can cause open sores (ulcers).
- Fistulas: Ulcers can occasionally penetrate all the way through the intestinal wall, forming a fistula, an unnatural connection between several bodily organs. It is possible for fistulas to form between the intestine and another organ or between the intestine and your skin. A perianal fistula is a fistula that develops in or around the anal area.
- Anal Fissures: This is a little tear in the skin or tissue surrounding the anus where an infection may develop. It frequently results in painful bowel movements and can cause a perianal fistula.
- Malnutrition: People may find it challenging to eat or for their intestines to absorb enough nutrients to keep them nourished if they have diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramping. Anemia is also frequently caused by the disease’s low iron or vitamin B-12 levels.
- Colon Cancer: The risk of colon cancer is increased if you have Crohn’s disease that affects the colon. For those without Crohn’s disease, general colon cancer screening is usually recommended. A colonoscopy at least every ten years starting at age 45 is highly recommended by gastroenterologists.
How Is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?
Most patients visit a doctor for the first time because of constant diarrhea, stomach cramps, or unexplained weight loss. The healthcare providers can request one or more of the following tests to determine the source of your symptoms:
- Blood test: A blood test looks for an abundance of white blood cells, which could signify infection or inflammation. Anemia, or decreased red blood cell count, is also examined by the test. Anemia affects almost one in three patients with Crohn’s disease.
- Feces examination: A sample of the stool is examined to look for bacteria or parasites. It can eradicate diseases that lead to constant diarrhea.
- Colonoscopy: It is used to examine the inside of the colon through a tiny camera. The doctor may also take a small part of the skin (biopsy) from the colon to check for inflammation.
- CT Scan: It is also used to check for intestinal inflammation, particularly the colon, by creating images of the digestive tract.
- Upper GI Endoscopy: The doctor investigates the upper gastrointestinal tract through a tiny camera.
Prevention Of Crohn’s Disease
There is no definite way to cure Crohn’s disease. However, taking necessary precautions can help keep Crohn’s disease at bay. Some of the useful tips to prevent Crohn’s disease are:
- Avoid smoking,
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet,
- Exercise regularly, and
- Manage stress.
Prognosis Of Crohn’s Disease
The majority of Crohn’s disease sufferers lead active, healthy lives. Although there is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, medications and lifestyle adjustments can prolong remission and reduce complications.
One of the lifestyle changes includes dietary modifications. Crohn’s disease patients frequently need to modify their diets in order to receive adequate calories each day. For those who have Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance might be problematic. If you discover that you are having problems with this food intolerance, you may need to avoid some dairy products. Additionally, if you have Crohn’s disease, quit smoking. Smoking will only exacerbate your illness.
For many who find no relief from conventional treatments, there are multiple clinical trials for Crohn’s disease conducted in the US that may provide potential new treatment options and quality care.
The Outlook
Although Crohn’s disease can be a lot to deal with, it is still a manageable disease. With proper care and mindful dietary habits, one can easily manage the symptoms of the condition. It is vital to keep an eye on the symptoms, anything that exacerbates symptoms should be catered to in time to avoid complications.
Additionally, there are Crohn’s disease clinical trials, focused on finding a potential treatment option that may also help people, with Crohn’s disease.
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