Understanding Crohn's Disease: Symptoms and Causes
May 31, 2023
5 min read
Around 500,000 people in the United States are thought to have Crohn's disease, and research suggests that this number has been steadily increasing over the past decade. However, it is unclear what is causing this increase.
Crohn's Disease: What Is It?
Crohn's disease is a lifelong IBD that causes digestive system inflammation, leading to painful symptoms. If left untreated, it can even cause irreversible damage, making proper management essential for effectively managing this condition. Despite experts' best efforts, however, no cure for Crohn's Disease remains available.
Living with Crohn's disease presents unique challenges, from managing troublesome symptoms to seeking the best medical treatments. Fortunately, having access to reliable and comprehensive information about this debilitating condition can help those affected lead active lives and face its uncertainties head-on.
Crohn's Disease: What Are the Symptoms?
Crohn's disease can manifest in any portion of the gastrointestinal system, whether in sections or uninterrupted. Although, in some cases, those affected may only experience symptoms within their colon—the terminal section of the large intestine.
Crohn's disease can present symptoms that vary in intensity from mild to severe. Typically, these symptoms develop slowly over time, but there may be instances where they appear suddenly and unexpectedly. You may also go through periods when you have no signs or symptoms, known as remission.
Typically, during active phases of the disease, symptoms include:
- Stomach discomfort and muscle spasms
- Decreased appetite and decline in weight
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Presence of blood in stool
- Mouth sores
- Pain or discharge near or around the anus
Additional signs and symptoms
Those diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease may experience a wide range of debilitating symptoms that extend far beyond the digestive system, such as:
- Impeded growth or maturation of sexual characteristics in children
- Swelling and irritation in the skin, eyes, and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- Formation of kidney stones
- Iron deficiency
Crohn's Disease: When Should You See a Doctor?
It is imperative to consult a physician in case of persistent alterations in your bowel routine or the manifestation of any indicators of Crohn's disease, including:
- Unintended decrease in weight
- Nausea and vomiting
- Presence of blood in feces
- Stomach pain
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Fever combined with any of the previously mentioned symptoms
These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life and should not be ignored. By seeing a doctor, you can receive a proper diagnosis and start a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and improve your health. Early diagnosis and treatment can also prevent complications from Crohn's disease and help maintain your overall well-being.
Crohn's Disease: What Causes It?
Despite modern medical advances, the origin of Crohn's disease remains one of medicine's elusive enigmas. Evidence suggests that various influencing factors can contribute to its activation and symptomatic exacerbation—although only speculative hypotheses exist to explain this mysterious condition.
Genes
Genetics have been indicated to be a factor in Crohn's disease. Those with the condition often have family members who also face it, suggesting that genes can make one more prone to Crohn's. Nonetheless, many individuals with this condition do not have any relatives diagnosed with it.
Immune system
There is speculation that viruses or bacteria may cause Crohn's disease, but this has not been confirmed or identified. When one's immune system attempts to defend against an outside source, it paradoxically turns on the cells in the digestive tract. This results in an abnormal reaction from the body's defense mechanisms.
Crohn's Disease: What Are the Risk Factors?
Crohn's disease can be an incredibly debilitating medical condition, and several risk factors are associated with it. These risks include:
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac can induce inflammation in the intestines, worsening already present Crohn's disease. However, NSAIDs are not observed to cause Crohn's disease.
2. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is a major preventable risk factor for Crohn's disease. In addition, those who smoke have increased odds of having a more severe form of the illness and needing surgery, which is why quitting smoking is essential if you've taken up the habit.
3. Heredity
An individual is at a higher risk of developing Crohn's if they have a family member, such as a parent, sibling, or child, who has the condition. Up to 1 in 5 people with Crohn's disease can trace the illness back to a relative.
4. Race
Crohn's disease can affect all ethnic groups, though whites are more prone to it, particularly of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent. African Americans in North America and the UK have seen a rise in the incidence of Crohn's, as well as those living in the Middle East and those who have migrated to the US.
5. Age
Those living with Crohn's disease can be diagnosed at any age. However, it is more common in the younger population. Most of those afflicted with this condition typically receive diagnoses before they reach their 30th birthday.
Crohn's Disease: What Are the Possible Complications?
1. Drug-related risks
Drugs used to treat Crohn's disease that target the immune system can lead to a small risk of lymphoma and skin cancer and an increased risk of infection. Corticosteroids may include additional risks, such as osteoporosis, fractures, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is essential to consider the benefits and risks associated with any medication with your physician.
2. Intestinal blockage
Crohn's disease can impact all layers of the intestine, leading to scarring and narrowing of the bowel in some cases. This phenomenon is known as a stricture, which can obstruct the flow of digestion—thus requiring surgery to widen or excise any diseased parts.
3. Skin diseases
People with Crohn's disease may often develop Hidradenitis suppurativa, a skin condition that can present as nodules, tunnels, and abscesses in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in the genital or perianal area.
4. Nutrient deficiencies
Symptoms such as frequent loose stools (diarrhea), abdominal pain, and cramping can make it challenging to take in the sustenance you need to stay nourished. Additionally, Crohn's disease can result in a deficiency of iron and Vitamin B-12, resulting in a common form of anemia.
5. Ulcers
Continuous digestive tract inflammation can cause open sores (ulcers) to form, which can be present in the mouth, anus, genital area (perineum), and anywhere else throughout the digestive system.
Unlocking the Mystery of Crohn's Disease
If you're living with Crohn's disease, remember you're not alone. Contact your healthcare provider and explore the many options to manage the condition. Then, you can look forward to a long and healthy life with the right treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments.
