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What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a gastrointestinal (GI) tract-related chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  This long-term condition often alternates between periods of flare-ups (worsened symptoms) and remission (symptom improvement or disappearance). The inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease can lead to various symptoms and potentially permanent damage to the digestive system.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person and often occur in cycles of flare-ups and remission. Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping: Often felt in the lower right abdomen, caused by intestinal inflammation.
  • Chronic diarrhea: Persistent, watery diarrhea, sometimes leading to severe dehydration.
  • Blood in stool: presence of either dark or brilliant red blood, depending on where the bleeding occurred.
  • Fatigue: Caused by inflammation, anaemia, or poor nutrient absorption.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Often due to malabsorption caused by GI inflammation.
  • Loss of appetite: Discomfort and inflammation can reduce the desire to eat.
  • Low-grade fever: Occurring during active inflammation.
  • Mouth ulcers: Painful oral sores
  • Anaemia: Resulting from intestinal bleeding or iron deficiency.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease has no established cause, although some contributing variables include –
  • Immune system dysfunction: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation.
  • Genetic predisposition: Having a family member with Crohn’s disease increases your risk.
  • Environmental triggers: Factors like stress, diet, smoking, and infections may exacerbate symptoms or trigger the condition.
  • Gut microbiota imbalance: Altered levels of intestinal bacteria may play a role in disease progression.

Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease involves a combination of tests, such as:

Blood tests:

Detects inflammation markers, anaemia, or signs of infection.

Stool tests:

Identifies infection, blood, or specific markers to rule out other GI diseases.

Endoscopy:

Procedures like colonoscopy or upper endoscopy use a camera to visualize the intestines and collect biopsies.

Imaging tests:

Techniques like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays provide detailed images of the digestive tract.

Capsule endoscopy:

A swallowed capsule with a camera captures images of the small intestine, helping identify inflammation or damage.

Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Managing Crohn’s disease focuses on preventing complications, manage symptoms and reducing inflammation.

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: Reduce intestinal inflammation (e.g., amino salicylates).
  • Immunosuppressants: Suppress the immune response (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate).
  • Corticosteroids: Used for short-term flare-ups but not recommended for prolonged use.
  • Biologic therapies: Target specific immune pathways (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab).
  • Antibiotics: To treat or prevent infections.

Dietary Modifications

  • Low-fiber diets: Reduce irritation during flare-ups.
  • Smaller, frequent meals: Ease digestion.
  • Nutritional supplements: Address deficiencies due to malabsorption.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may involve:

  • Removing damaged parts of the intestine.
  • Treating complications like fistulas or abscesses.
  • Addressing blockages or severe bleeding.

Complications of Crohn's Disease

  • Intestinal blockages: Caused by scarring and narrowing.
  • Fistulas: Abnormal connections between tissues or organs.
  • Abscesses: Infected fluid pockets in or near the intestines.
  • Malnutrition: Due to poor nutrient absorption.
  • Increased colon cancer risk: Long-standing inflammation can elevate this risk.

Have Questions? We're Here-Reach out to us!

Crohn's is not contagious; it's an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract.

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