What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people. This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel.
Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. While there’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation.
Who Might Get Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease typically appears in younger people – often in their late teens, 20s or early 30s. However, this condition can happen at any age. It’s equally common in men and women. Crohn’s disease can also be see in young children. If you’re a cigarette smoker, your risk of Crohn’s disease might be higher than non-smokers.
What Are The Types of Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease can affect different sections of the digestive tract. Types of Crohn’s disease include:
- Ileocolitis: Inflammation occurs in the small intestine and part of the large intestine, or colon. Ileocolitis is the most common type of Crohn’s disease.
- Ileitis: Swelling and inflammation develop in the small intestine (ileum).
- Gastroduodenal: Inflammation and irritation affect the stomach and the top of the small intestine (the duodenum).
- Jejunoileitis: Patchy areas of inflammation develop in the upper half of the small intestine (called the jejunum).
What Causes Crohn’s Disease?
There’s no known cause of Crohn’s disease. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:
- Autoimmune disease: Bacteria in the digestive tract may cause the body’s immune system to attack your healthy cells.
- Genes: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often runs in families. If you have a parent, sibling or other family member with Crohn’s, you may be at an increased risk of also having it. There are several specific mutations (changes) to your genes that can predispose people to developing Crohn’s disease.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking could as much as double your risk of Crohn’s disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
- Abdominal pain.
- Chronic diarrhea.
- A feeling of fullness.
- Fever.
- A loss of your appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Anal fissures.
- Anal fistulas.
- Rectal bleeding.
How is Crohn's Disease Diagnosed?
Most people with Crohn’s first see a healthcare provider because of ongoing diarrhea, belly cramping or unexplained weight loss. If you have a child who has been experiencing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, reach out to your pediatrician. To find the cause of your symptoms, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:
- Blood test: A blood test checks for high numbers of white blood cells that may indicate inflammation or infection. The test also checks for low red blood cell count, or anemia. Approximately one in three people with Crohn’s disease have anemia.
- Stool test: This test looks at a sample of your stool to check for bacteria or parasites. It can rule out infections that cause chronic diarrhea.
- Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses an endoscope (thin tube with an attached light and camera) to examine the inside of your colon. Your doctor may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from the colon to test for signs of inflammation.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan creates images of the digestive tract. It tells your healthcare provider how severe the intestinal inflammation is.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: Your doctor threads a long, thin tube called an endoscope through your mouth and into your throat. An attached camera allows your doctor to see inside. During an upper endoscopy, your doctor may also take tissue samples.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) exam: X-ray images used during an upper GI exam allow your doctor to watch as a swallowed barium liquid moves through your digestive tract.
How is Crohn’s Disease Managed or Treated?
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can prevent or treat infections. Severe infections can lead to abscesses (pockets of pus). Or they can cause fistulas (openings or tunnels that connect two organs that don’t normally connect).
- Antidiarrheal medication: Prescription medications like loperamide (Imodium A-D®) can stop severe diarrhea.
- Biologics: These medications include monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune response.
- Bowel rest: To give your intestines a chance to heal, your provider may recommend going without food or drink for several days or longer. To get the nutrition you need, you may receive intravenous (parenteral) nutrition. Only drink a prescribed liquid or have a feeding tube during this time.
- Corticosteroids: Cortisone, prednisone and other corticosteroids ease inflammation brought on by autoimmune disease.
- Immunomodulators: These drugs calm inflammation by suppressing an overactive immune system. They include azathioprine and cyclosporine.
- Surgery: Surgery won’t cure Crohn’s disease, but it can treat complications. You may need surgery to correct intestinal perforations (holes), blockages or bleeding.
How Can I Prevent Crohn’s Disease?
There’s no way to prevent Crohn’s disease. These healthy lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups:
- Stop smoking.
- Eat a healthy, low-fat diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage stress.
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