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Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
The symptoms can 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
They have 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 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
It 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
They 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.
