Understanding Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Management
If you live with Crohn’s disease, you’re already familiar with the persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, and diarrhea associated with this diagnosis. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Though Crohn’s disease may be a lifelong condition, a variety of effective treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of serious health complications. Here’s what an expert recommends for managing this chronic condition.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part or layer of your bowel; however, it most commonly impacts the end of the small bowel leading to the beginning of the colon, according to Mayo Clinic. Dr. Gil Melmed, MD, director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Research at Cedars-Sinai, notes that untreated Crohn’s can lead to serious complications in the small bowel, which is narrower than other GI tract areas.
The precise causes of Crohn’s disease remain largely unknown but are believed to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research is exploring how the microbiome influences IBD susceptibility.
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, factors that may trigger a Crohn’s flare-up include:
- Missing doses of prescribed medication
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Taking antibiotics
- Experiencing GI tract infections
- Smoking
How does Crohn’s Disease Affect You?
Crohn’s disease shares several symptoms with ulcerative colitis, the two main types of IBD. Common symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and weight loss. Unique symptoms of Crohn’s include:
- Non-bloody diarrhea
- Malnutrition
- Mouth sores
Patients with Crohn’s disease are at a higher risk for other health issues, such as ulcers, anal fissures, anemia, blood clots, and colon cancer, as noted by the CDC and Cleveland Clinic.
What Happens if Crohn’s is Left Untreated?
Serious complications from untreated Crohn’s disease can result in fistulas, which occur when an untreated ulcer perforates the bowel lining, potentially causing abdominal infections, as explained by Dr. Melmed.
Bowel obstruction is another complication that may occur due to inflammation leading to scar tissue and intestinal strictures, making emergency surgery necessary.
Does Crohn’s Disease Ever Go Away?
Currently, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. However, advancements have been made in treatment options, significantly reducing the need for surgical interventions. Treatments may vary by patient, integrating medications that manage symptoms and minimize risks.
Experts recommend medications that target different pathways of the immune system to mitigate the overactive immune responses associated with IBD. Options include a range of anti-inflammatory medicines, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
Recent research has also begun to explore how certain dietary approaches may impact Crohn’s symptoms, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that meets individual needs.
In summary, while Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition without a cure, effective management is achievable through appropriate strategies and treatments.
For more information, consult your healthcare provider.
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