This health condition negatively affects your GI (gastrointestinal) tract and it is called Crohn’s Disease. The common symptoms of this disease are diarrhea and bloody stools. A well-balanced diet and some medications may help to lessen the symptoms. In any case, some patients may need surgery. A type of inflammation bowel disease (IBD) is Crohn’s disease. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), approximately 780,000 people suffer from this disease.
Researchers do not know what the exact cause of this disease is. Moreover, this condition does not have a cure, nonetheless, major treatment advances in the last three decades.
In most cases, this health condition occurs in the small intestine and colon. It also can affect any part of your GI tract (from mouth to anus). Crohn’s disease may fluctuate over time and range from mild to severe.
Symptoms
This condition usually develops gradually and certain symptoms may worsen over time. In rare cases, an individual may experience a sudden development of the symptoms. Check below some symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- After a bowel movement, feel as if your bowel is not empty
- Frequent need for bowel movements
Some of the previous symptoms may also occur if you experience food poisoning, stomach upset, or allergy. Consult with a physician for a proper diagnosis.
If your disease progresses, you may experience some severe symptoms. Examples include:
- Breathing problems
- Inflammation of the joints and skin
- Reduced ability to exercise caused by anemia
- Ulcers (may occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus)
To avoid severe complications it is recommended to consult a doctor at once if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
Variations of Crohn’s Disease
The variations are based on location in the digestive system. For example:
- Crohn’s colitis – is a type of disease that affects the colon only.
- Ileocolotis – negatively affects the ileum and the colon.
- Ileitis – this type impacts the last part of the small intestine and ileum.
- Jejunoileitis – the second portion of your intestine called the jejunum is usually affected by this type of Crohn’s disease.
- Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease – the stomach and the duodenum are usually affected by this type of disease. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine.
This GI tract condition may also occur as a perianal disease. It means that an individual can experience abnormal connections between tissues (fistulas), deep tissues infection, sores, as well as ulcers on the skin around the anus.
Causes of Crohn’s Disease
More research is needed to detect the exact cause of this GI tract disease. One factor that is believed to provoke Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition.
Risk Factors
The following factors may elevate your risk of developing Crohn’s disease. Examples include:
- Smoking
- Certain inherited genes
- Medications including oral contraceptives, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Living in an urban environment
Talk with a healthcare professional for more details.
Diagnosis
Endoscopy is one diagnosis option that helps physicians to take samples from your digestive tract. Therefore, Crohn’s disease is diagnosed based on the outcomes.
Another test that may also help to diagnose this GI tract condition is a combination of blood and stool tests and colonoscopy and endoscopy. Moreover, your healthcare provider may order a biopsy or imaging tests including MRI and CT.
Treatment Options Available
While a cure for Crohn’s disease is not available, physicians prescribe some medicines that may lessen the severity and frequency of the symptoms.
Medicines
Check below some examples of medicines used to treat Crohn’s disease:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immunomodulators
- Antidiarrheals
- Biologics
- Antibiotics
Antibiotics may improve your symptoms and certain triggers for this GI tract disease. Nevertheless, they also can decrease drainage and heal fistulas.
Surgery
This treatment method is usually used when medicines and lifestyle changes are not effective. Thus, surgery may be required. There are several types of surgery. For example:
- Bowel resection
- Ostomy
- Proctocolectomy
- Colectomy
- Strictureplasty
These treatment options may involve some risks while helping to decrease the symptoms. Talk with a healthcare provider about any concerns you may experience with surgery.
Dietary Changes
Foods can trigger flares but not provoke Crohn’s disease. The same diet does not work for everyone because this GI tract disease affects different parts of the digestive system. Better to consult with a dietician to choose the diet suitable for you. Check below some lifestyle and diet changes:
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements – This medical condition may negatively affect the ability of your intestines to absorb proper nutrients from the food. That’s why it is advised to add to your diet some supplements. However, talk to a doctor before using any vitamins or mineral supplements because they may interact with Crohn’s disease medicines.
- Water – If you experience this disease, dehydration may occur due to the inability of your body to absorb water from the digestive tract. Drink plenty of water until the treatment ends to avoid dehydration. This symptom may appear, especially if you have diarrhea or bleeding.
- Limit Diary – Limit or avoid dairy products because it may lead to stomach upset, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and others. These may occur because your body may face difficulties in digesting certain dairy products.
- Limit Fat – The body’s ability to break down and absorption of fat may interact with Crohn’s disease.
- Decrease Fiber – Some foods that contain fiber may worsen your GI tract disease. Consult with a doctor for a low-residue diet.
Natural Treatment Options
Certain alternatives and complementary medicines (CAMs) may help to treat your Crohn’s disease. The following treatment options are usually used alongside medicines and diet. However, it is advised to see a doctor before using any of the natural treatments. Check below some examples:
- Acupuncture – According to research, this procedure may help to lessen some symptoms.
- Supplements – Talk to a physician if you intend to use supplements alongside medicines. Otherwise, you may notice a drug interaction or even severe side effects. As per studies, some supplements may help in the treatment of this GI tract disease.
- Fish Oil – Omega 3s fatty acids can be used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Salmon and mackerel are rich in this beneficial fatty acid.
- Prebiotics – These materials are commonly found in plants. They help feed the good bacteria in your gut, which helps to lessen the symptoms and contribute to Crohn’s disease treatment.
- Probiotics
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the triggers of Crohn’s disease?
In most cases, smoking, some foods, stress, illness, medicines, and some environmental factors are the triggers of this GI tract disease. If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, tell your physician promptly.
How many types of Crohn’s disease are there?
There are five types of Crohn’s disease. For example Crohn’s Colitis, Diffuse Jejunoileitis, Ileitis, Ileocolitis, Gastroduedenal Crohn’s disease. Discuss with a healthcare provider for more details.
How much will I live with Crohn’s disease?
The average expectancy for women was 78.4 years and for men was 75.5 years, according to a Canadian study. Ask your physician if you have any questions.
