Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in the digestive tract, most commonly in the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (the colon).
To simplify, In Crohn’s disease, the immune system doesn’t know which bacteria are supposed to be there and which aren’t. Because of that it attacks the gut and causes ulcers (sores). Crohn’s disease can affect anywhere from the mouth to the butt however is most commonly seen in the small intestine or colon.
What are the Causes?
Anyone can develop Crohn’s disease, but most sufferers show symptoms between their mid-teens and mid-thirties.
Family history and cigarette smoking may play a role in the onset of Crohn’s disease, although these risk factors are not well established. It is believed that tobacco smokers are twice as likely to develop Crohn’s disease as nonsmokers. People with Crohn’s who smoke are also more likely to have more severe inflammation and are more likely to need surgery.
The disease is more likely to develop if a close relative also has it, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute, the risk of a child developing Crohn’s disease increases by 35% when both parents have inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the Symptoms and Signs?
There are certain similar symptoms of GI tract inflammation brought on by Crohn’s disease, even though symptoms differ from patient to patient.
When the disease is active, signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Blood in your stool
- Urgent need to move bowels
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- The sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation
- Constipation, which can lead to bowel obstruction
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin (fistula)
- Inflammation of their joints.
- Some people also have ulcers on the skin or mucous membranes (such as in their mouth)
People with severe Crohn’s disease may also experience:
- Inflammation of skin, eyes, and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- Kidney stones
- Iron deficiency (anemia)
- Delayed growth or sexual development (in children)
Though they frequently come on gradually, they can also do so suddenly and without warning. Additionally, there may be times when no symptoms or signs are observed; however, this does not mean that Crohn’s disease is cured, and it certainly does not mean that the symptoms will not return. Crohn’s disease sufferers occasionally feel better (have fewer symptoms), but their GI tracts are still inflamed.
The symptoms of the disease are worsened with high levels of stress and people with Crohn’s disease are more likely to develop anxiety and depression, which may worsen as the symptoms of the disease intensify.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have persistent changes in your bowel habits or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ongoing bouts of diarrhea that don’t respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- Unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment
A variety of treatment choices can help you maintain control over your condition and help you live a rich and fulfilling life. Keep in mind that no single treatment is effective for all patients. Each patient’s circumstance is unique, and the appropriate course of treatment must be taken.
The use of medicine, dietary and nutritional changes, and occasionally surgical treatments to repair or remove diseased sections of your GI tract are all possible forms of treatment for Crohn’s disease and other IBD variations.
Currently, there is no permanent cure for Crohn’s disease and the treatments help reduce the symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups to improve the living standards of the patients.
A New treatment to effectively control Crohn’s disease
While there still is no permanent cure to the disease, there have been new advances in controlling the symptoms of the disease, and one of the most effective of these innovative treatments has been declared safe and entered its final stage of testing. (testing for efficacy)
This treatment targets the area of inflammation caused by the disease, reducing the swelling and improving the patient’s experience.
We are proud to offer free screening and processing of potential patients who fit the criteria of this trial.
Click Here to fill out our questionnaire and see if you meet the criteria to receive free screening and treatment!
