Crohn’s
Crohn’s disease is a long-lasting health problem that causes inflammation in the digestive system. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but it is most often found at the end of the small intestine (ileum) where it connects to the large intestine (colon). The cause of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood, but it may be a combination of genetics, the environment, and an overactive immune system.
People with Crohn’s may also have inflammation in their eyes, skin, joints, and bile ducts. Crohn’s disease does not have a cure, but there are many different treatments to control the inflammation and reduce the symptoms. Some people with Crohn’s may need surgery. With treatment, most people with Crohn’s disease can live normal lives.
Symptoms
- Diarrhea, or frequent and watery bowel movements.
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Fever and fatigue.
- Anemia, or a low level of oxygen carrying protein in the blood called hemoglobin.
- Mouth sores.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, joints, and bile ducts.
These symptoms can range in severity and may come and go. Some people with Crohn’s disease may have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms that require ongoing treatment. It is important to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Treatment
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are many different treatment options that can help control the inflammation and reduce the symptoms. The specific treatment plan for Crohn’s disease will depend on the severity of the disease and the specific symptoms that the person is experiencing. Some common treatment options for Crohn’s disease may include:
- Medications: there are several different types of medications that can be used to treat Crohn’s disease, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic therapies. These medications can help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Diet and nutrition: making changes to your diet can sometimes help manage Crohn’s disease. This may include eating more fiber, avoiding certain foods that can trigger symptoms, and taking supplements to help with nutrient deficiencies.
- Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged parts of the digestive tract or to repair any complications from the disease.
It is important to work with a healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for Crohn’s disease. With proper treatment, most people with Crohn’s disease can live normal lives.
FAQs
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the system in the body that breaks down and absorbs food.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, loss of appetite and weight loss, fever and fatigue, anemia, mouth sores, and rectal bleeding.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetics, the environment, and an overactive immune system.
No, Crohn’s disease is not contagious. It is not caused by anything that can be passed from person to person.
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are many different treatment options that can help control the inflammation and reduce the symptoms.
Treatment options for Crohn’s disease may include medications, changes to diet and nutrition, surgery, and other therapies. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of the disease and the specific symptoms that the person is experiencing.
To manage Crohn’s disease, it is important to work with a healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan. This may include taking medications as prescribed, making changes to your diet and nutrition, and following any other recommendations from your healthcare team.
People with Crohn’s disease may be at higher risk for certain health problems, such as malnutrition, anemia, and osteoporosis. It is important to follow your treatment plan and work with your healthcare team to monitor your health and prevent these complications.