A Thorough Look at Crohn's Disease
What happens if I have Crohn's disease?
What is the main cause of Crohn's disease?
The exact reason behind Crohn’s disease is still not known. Researchers are looking into the role of autoimmune problems and genetics. Some studies suggest that factors like smoking, certain drugs, a fatty diet, and stress could increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary depending on the affected part of the digestive tract, ranging from mild to severe. Primary symptoms include:
- Crampy pain in the abdomen
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Feeling the need to pass stools, even with empty bowels, involves straining, pain, and cramping
- Watery diarrhoea, potentially with blood
Other symptoms may include the following:
- Constipation
- Draining of pus, mucus, or stools around the rectum or anus
- Sores or swelling in the eyes
- Joint pain and swelling
- Mouth ulcers
- Rectal bleeding and bloody stools
- Tender, red bumps under the skin, which may develop into skin ulcers
- Swollen gums
How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed?
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may ask you to undergo certain diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests include:
- Biopsy: A painless procedure done during a colonoscopy, taking a small tissue sample.
- Colonoscopy: Preferred for examining the entire colon, as opposed to flexible sigmoidoscopy, which only reaches the lower part.
- Abdominal X-ray: Reveals possible blockages in the belly.
- Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Tests: The UGI series checks the upper digestive tract, and UGI endoscopy examines the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Imaging Techniques: CT and MRI provide internal body structure images.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Check for anaemia, inflammation, antibodies, or malnutrition. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or CRP (C-reactive protein) tests may be done to detect infection or inflammation based on symptoms.
- Stool Analysis: Examines for blood, bacterial infection signs, malabsorption, parasites, or white blood cells, helping distinguish between Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How is Crohn’s disease treated?
What foods should I avoid with Crohn's disease?
While there is no specific diet for Crohn’s disease, some individuals experience improvement by avoiding certain foods. Unless a particular food triggers or worsens your symptoms, there is no need to avoid it, as it is essential to derive nutrients from diverse sources. However, if you haven’t pinpointed the foods causing flares in Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, or IBD, common culprits include:
- Fatty, greasy, or fried foods
- Hot or spicy foods
- Raw, high-fibre fruits, and vegetables
- Nuts, seeds, and beans
- Caffeinated or sugary beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Candy, sweets, and other sources of added sugar
How long can a person with Crohn’s disease live?
People with Crohn’s disease have an average life expectancy ranging from the mid-70s to the late 70s, and various studies indicate that it is comparable to those without the disease. This is largely attributed to lifestyle adjustments and dietary modifications.
Why is Crohn's worse at night?
Can you suddenly develop Crohn's disease?
Who is most prone to Crohn's disease?
What age does Crohn's normally start?
Can I live a normal life with Crohn's?
References
Feuerstein, J. D., & Cheifetz, A. S. (2017). Crohn disease: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(7), 1088-1103.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.010
Ha, F., & Khalil, H. (2015). Crohn’s disease: A clinical update. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 8(6), 352-359. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X15592585
