Crohn's Disease
Description
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Most commonly, Crohn’s affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. Because it is an autoimmune condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body. About one-sixth of patients with Crohn's disease experience symptoms before the age of fifteen. Even though the exact cause is unknown, experts believe genetics may be a factor because many members of the same family may be affected.
Symptoms
The main symptoms include :
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- bloating
- Blood in the stool
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia
- Nausea or loss of appetite
Visit a General Practice doctor (General Practitioner) if you or your child have blood in your stool, diarrhea for more than 7 days, or you have lost weight for no reason.
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View MoreCauses
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unclear. However, there are several factors that may increase your risk of having Crohn’s disease, like :
- If you have a close family member who has Crohn’s disease, you have a higher chance of developing it.
- Inadequate immune system response to environmental factors, such as a virus or bacteria, results in gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
- Being a smoker doubles your risk of getting Crohn’s disease.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, antibiotics, and birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
- High-fat diet may increase your risk of having Crohn’s disease.
Diagnostics
Colonoscopy and imaging tests, such as :
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Stool samples
- Blood tests
Treatment
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Treatment includes particular diets, lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery with the goal of symptom relief and preventing recurrence.
Types of common medications to treat Crohn’s disease :
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as : mesalamine, balsalazide, olsalazine)
- Immune system suppressors (such as : azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate)
- Biologics (such as : infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab)
- Antibiotics (such as : ciprofloxacin, metronidazole)
- Medication to help slow or stop severe diarrhea (loperamide)
- Medications to control mild pain (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)
Surgery to remove a small part of the digestive tract; sometimes may be a better treatment option than medicines.
Living with Crohn’s disease :
Your doctor may recommend changing your diet which can help reduce symptoms; some of these changes are :
- Avoiding carbonated drinks
- Avoiding high-fiber food
- Increasing your fluids intake
- Recording your food diaries to determine which food causes problems
- Minimize your meals portions
