A Complete Overview of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease was formally identified in 1932 by its namesake, Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, and his colleagues, as chronic inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. The disease affects areas of the gastrointestinal tract spanning from the mouth to the anus, causing pain, discomfort, and malnutrition. This overview of Crohn’s disease will inform you how to identify the disease, how to get tested, and how to get treated so you or a loved one get on track for healthier living.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease go through cycles of flare-ups and remission. Those with mild symptoms may experience the following when the disease is active: 

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Bloody stool
• Urgent bowel movements
• Pain or drainage from a sore near the anus

In severe cases of Crohn’s disease, additional symptoms are present, including inflammation of skin, eyes, joints, liver, and bile ducts. Furthermore, complications may arise over time as a result of frequent flare-ups, which include bowel obstruction, ulcers, fistulas, anal fissures, malnutrition, and colon cancer. Malnutrition resulting from the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly can also lead to other issues like arthritis, anemia, skin disorders, and gallbladder or liver disease.

What Are the Causes and Who’s at Risk?

Scientists and doctors have not yet identified the exact cause of Crohn’s. Doctors believe certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. These primary factors include immune system issues, family history, genetics, and environmental factors. Although anyone of any age can be diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, it’s found more commonly in these populations: 

• People under the age of 30
• Those with close relatives who have the disease
• People of Eastern European descent, including European Jews, and increasingly found within African-Americans
• Developed countries, specifically in highly industrial, urban communities

Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease

Testing for Crohn’s disease usually occurs after other possible diagnoses have been ruled out. Doctors use a variety of methods to test for the condition, including blood tests to identify vitamin deficiencies, abnormal protein count, and antibody levels. Doctors also conduct various procedures (colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI, capsule endoscopy, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy) to locate affected areas within the GI tract.

Managing Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent or limit flare-ups. Treatment for Crohn’s disease is designed to help manage symptoms and limit damage from inflammation. These can include a combination of medications, supplements, therapies, and possibly surgery.

Common medications for Crohn’s disease include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, antidiarrheals, and pain relievers. Because the disease impacts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from normal eating, multivitamins are also often recommended to prevent conditions associated with vitamin deficiencies. Nutrition therapy is also sometimes recommended to relieve strain on the bowel. These therapies include enteral nutrition (the use of feeding tubes) and parenteral nutrition (nutrients injected into veins).

Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can lead to fistulas, ulcers, fissures, and blockages. To treat these complications, surgery is sometimes required to drain abscesses or to remove damaged sections of the digestive tract.

Flare-ups can happen any time. However, certain lifestyle changes can help minimize the frequency and severity these occurrences. You can start with your diet. Eat a low-fat, low-fiber diet and avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Drink plenty of water and eat small meals throughout the day. Avoid smoking, as it can increase your risk of developing Crohn’s disease and can make symptoms worse. Do your best to avoid or manage stress with relaxation techniques and exercise.

If you or a loved one suspects you may have Crohn’s disease, keep track of your symptoms and talk to your doctor about seeing a gastroenterologist. Identifying the disease early and managing it properly through medication and lifestyle changes can help you take back control over your life.