Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. This means that areas in the digestive tract can suffer from inflammation. Different people may have Crohn’s disease that affects different areas of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease will often get worse as the inflammation spreads deeply into the bowel tissue areas.
Currently there’s no cure for Crohn’s disease. People who have it need to make sure that they start treatment early. There are many aspects of Crohn’s disease. People have many questions about exactly how Crohn’s disease works. This article will focus on some of the most common of these questions and offer up some basic answers to help people be more educated about Crohn’s disease.
The 6 Important Questions
1: How do people get Crohn’s disease?
A: Currently, the exact cause isn’t known. There are instead several risk factors that seem to increase the chances of getting Crohn’s. It’s most likely to start in people under the age of 30. Crohn’s is more common for people who have a family history of Crohn’s disease. Certain ethnicities are more likely to get it, as are smokers. There’s some belief that Crohn’s gets triggered by bacteria or viruses. The immune response is abnormal and ends up attacking cells within the digestive tract.
2: What are the main symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
A: There are several generic symptoms which can appear to someone with Crohn’s. Many will feel fatigued and with fever. Diarrhea is very common, as is blood in the stool. The symptoms coming from the abdomen continue with cramping and abdominal pain. It’s also possible to get a fistula. This tunnel in the skin can result in drainage from the anus and pain. Sores in the mouth are possible, as is weight loss and reduced appetite.
3: How do the symptoms of Crohn’s disease act?
A: Crohn’s disease is one of many in which symptoms tend to function in “flare ups”. It’s possible for the symptoms to disappear for a while, before they return again in the future. These temporary remissions are common. Symptoms can either come on slowly, or appear rapidly. The severity of symptoms also has a wide range. Sometimes they may be a minor inconvenience, but other times they are very severe.
4: When should I see a doctor?
A: It’s always good to see a doctor if you are having some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea that won’t respond to over the counter medications is a good baseline. The blood in stool, abdominal pain, and long lasting unexplained fevers should also prompt a trip to the doctor. Unexplained weight loss is another good reason to see a doctor as it can be a sign of a number of problematic conditions.
5: What can be done?
A: Treatment for Crohn’s is focused on medication. Since there’s no cure, trying to reduce symptoms or enter a period of long term remission is the goal. Medication specifically is designed to control the immune system, since it can produce the substances that cause inflammation. Medication designed specifically to reduce inflammation are common as well. In some cases, medications can be taken for the symptoms like pain and diarrhea to keep them under control as well.
6: Is there any other ways to treat Crohn’s disease?
A: Nutrition therapy is a way to give the bowel rest. Nutrients for a balanced diet will be provided through an IV or a feeding tube. This won’t force the bowel to work on digestion and can come down. It’s often used for a short term benefit in accordance with medications. Severe cases of Crohn’s disease can require surgery. It won’t cure the disease, but a damaged portion of the digestive tract can be removed, with the remainder of the digestive tract being reconnected. People who suffer from fistulas can also have surgery to correct those or abscesses.