Crohn’s Disease is a long-term condition characterized by inflammation of the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI), which can cause a range of symptoms like abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The inflammation can spread deep into the layers of the bowel, leading to complications such as blockages, abscesses, or fistulas.
Crohn’s Disease affects about 780,000 people in the United States, with the prevalence increasing in many parts of the world. It can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in young adults, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35.
The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development:
Common trigger foods include high-fiber vegetables, dairy products, spicy foods, and fatty or fried items. A low-residue diet may help reduce symptoms during flare-ups.
Crohn’s Disease is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate inflammation and rule out other conditions.
Crohn’s Disease is a lifelong condition with no cure. However, symptoms can be managed effectively through medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery to maintain remission and reduce flare-ups.
While stress doesn’t cause Crohn’s Disease, it can exacerbate symptoms or trigger flare-ups. Stress management techniques like meditation and exercise can help alleviate these effects.
Treatment options include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, biologics, antibiotics, and surgery. Your doctor may also recommend dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements.
Common signs of Crohn’s Disease include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss, bloody stool (rectal bleeding), mouth ulcers or pain in your mouth or gums, fever & fatigue, and abscesses of infections around your anal canal.
Crohn’s Disease can also cause symptoms in body parts outside of your digestive tract, including joint pain, rashes, eye inflammation, kidney stones, osteoporosis, skin tags (usually around the anus), and inflammation in bile ducts.
Crohn’s Disease can cause complications that may require more treatment or surgery, such as Abscesses, Anal fissures, Fistulas, Bowel obstructions, Malnutrition, and Anemia.
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