Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease are becoming increasingly common among young adults. They have been on the rise in the last ten years, and it is believed that lifestyle contributes to their onset and to flare-ups.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic intestinal inflammation that affects the entire digestive system. It usually occurs in the small intestine and colon, but can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. What may be mild or irritating for some can be painful and debilitating for others. Symptoms vary and can change over time. In some people, Crohn’s disease can lead to life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease usually develop gradually. Certain symptoms can also worsen over time, although it is possible—though rare—for symptoms to appear suddenly and critically. The early symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Blood in the stool
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • Frequent need to have a bowel movement

Sometimes these symptoms can be confused with those of other conditions, such as food poisoning, poor digestion, or allergy. The symptoms can become more severe as the disease progresses. They may include:

  • Perianal fistula, which causes pain and drainage near your anus
  • Ulcers that can appear anywhere from the mouth to the anus
  • Inflammation of the joints and skin

Early detection and diagnosis can prevent serious complications and allow for early treatment.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

Doctors still do not know what causes it, how it starts, who is most likely to develop it, or how to best treat it. However, the following factors may influence the development of Crohn’s disease:

  • Immune system problems
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental factors
  • Lifestyle

Up to 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have a parent, child, or sibling with the disease. Some factors can affect the severity of symptoms. These include:

  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Stress levels

Types of Crohn’s Disease

There are five different types of Crohn’s disease. They include: Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease – Affects the stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. About 5% of people with Crohn’s disease have this type. Jejunoileitis – Occurs in the second portion of the intestine, called the jejunum. This type affects about 5% of people with Crohn’s disease. Ileitis – This is inflammation in the last part of the small intestine, the ileum. About 30% of people with Crohn’s disease have this condition. Ileocolitis – Affects the ileum and the colon, and is the most common type of Crohn’s. Approximately 50% of people with Crohn’s disease have this type. Colitis – About 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have colitis, a condition that affects only the colon. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis affect only the colon.

Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease

No single test result can allow a doctor to diagnose Crohn’s disease. They will begin by ruling out any other possible causes for the symptoms. The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is a process of elimination. The doctor may use several types of tests to reach a diagnosis: Blood tests – Look for certain indicators of potential problems, such as anemia. Stool tests – Help detect blood in the stool. Endoscopy – To get a better view of the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopy – To examine the lower half of the intestine. CT scan and MRI – Provide more detail than an average X-ray. Both tests allow specific areas of tissue and organs to be viewed. Once the doctor has completed the necessary tests and ruled out other possible reasons for the symptoms, they may decide on a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. The doctor may request these tests multiple times to check for affected tissue and determine how the disease is progressing.

Is There a Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?

Despite major advances in treatment over the past three decades, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. A variety of treatment options can decrease symptom severity and frequency. Medications – More than four classes of medications are used to treat Crohn’s disease. First-line treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs. More advanced options include biologics, which use the body’s immune system to treat the disease. Dietary changes – Food does not cause Crohn’s disease, but it can trigger flare-ups. Once you have a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend an appointment with a nutritionist. This professional will show you how foods affect and can aggravate your symptoms. Surgery – If medication and lifestyle changes do not alter or improve your symptoms, surgery may be necessary. During surgery, the doctor will remove damaged parts of the digestive tract and reconnect the healthy sections.

Crohn’s Disease and Nutrition

It’s important to note that a nutritional plan that works for one person with Crohn’s disease may not work for another. This is because the disease can involve different areas of the gastrointestinal tract in different people. It’s necessary to find out what works best for each case. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptom recurrence and decrease severity. For those with Crohn’s disease, it is recommended to: Adjust fiber intake – Some people need a high-fiber, high-protein diet. For others, the presence of undigested high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables can aggravate the GI tract. If that’s your case, you may need to switch to a low-fiber diet. Limit fat intake – Crohn’s disease can interfere with the body’s ability to break down and absorb fat. This excess fat will pass from the small intestine to the colon, which can lead to diarrhea. Limit dairy intake – Someone may not be lactose intolerant, but their body may respond similarly when Crohn’s disease is present. Consuming dairy products can cause stomach irritation, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea for some people. Drink water – Crohn’s disease can affect the body’s ability to “recycle” water from the digestive tract. This can lead to dehydration. The risk of dehydration is especially high if you have chronic diarrhea. Use alternative sources of vitamins and minerals – Crohn’s disease can affect the intestine’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. Eating nutrient-rich foods may not be enough. Multivitamin supplementation may be recommended. Talk to your doctor so they can prescribe what is appropriate for your case.

Are There Any Natural Treatments for Crohn’s Disease?

Many people use complementary and alternative medicine for various diseases, including Crohn’s disease. Popular alternative treatments for Crohn’s disease include:

  • Probiotics – These are live bacteria that may help replace and rebuild the body’s good bacteria.
  • Antibiotics – Beneficial bacteria found in plants, such as asparagus, artichokes, and leeks.
  • Fish oil – Rich in omega-3 and has shown some promising results as a potential treatment for people with Crohn’s disease.
  • Certain herbs, vitamins, and minerals – These may heal or relieve the symptoms of a variety of diseases, including Crohn’s disease.
  • Acupuncture – Is an alternative treatment for many conditions. It may help relieve stress, which has been shown to ease Crohn’s disease symptoms and their severity.
  • Aloe vera – Has anti-inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is a key component of Crohn’s disease, people often use it as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Crohn’s disease can impair work and personal life. Therefore, do not wait to seek medical help. Pay attention to the signs your body gives. See also: Celiac Disease – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Photos: derneuemann