Like ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease is also a dangerous chronic inflammatory bowel disease which is commonly known as IBD. But there is a difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s medical disorder creates inflammation in the digestive tract. Similar to ulcerative Colitis this type of disease also has complicated symptoms that can affect the quality of a person badly. So it is very important to get complete information related to this chronic disease. Identifying its symptoms at its early stage becomes somehow easier to treat. This comprehensive article is all about it. Here in this article we will deeply discuss its symptoms, treatment and management options. Let’s have a look.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
A Disease of the digestive tract that affects millions of people all over the globe is none other than Crohn’s disease. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that has complicated consequences in the shape of severe abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and malnutrition and weight loss. Why do we call it a complicated disease? It is because the inflammation sometimes spreads deeply into the layers of affected bowel tissues. When this happens it can cause damage to different areas of the digestive tract. That’s why this disease can be very dangerous and minor also. When the situation becomes worse it can lead to serious complications.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
It is very important to note that the symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be different from one person to another due to the nature of attack of this disease to different people. So here we will talk about some common indications that you can observe during this fatal chronic issue. Let’s get started.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
This is one of the common symptoms both in case of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Patient starts feeling pain in their abdomen. In case of Crohn’s disease the patient observes that this pain usually occurs in the lower part of the abdomen. There are also chances of this abdominal pain and cramping anywhere in the digestive system.
Diarrhea
Another common symptom which is mostly observed in case of Crohn’s disease is the occurrence of diarrhea. Patients observe frequent and loose stools.
Fatigue
It is the natural process that the immune system of a body reacts against chronic inflammation. As a result patients feel a significant amount of fatigue.
Weight Loss and Malnutrition
When the situation of Crohn’s medical disorder occurs in the body the absorption of nutrients becomes really very poor that leads to significant weight loss and Malnutrition.
Fever
It is commonly observed that a patient feels a low type of fever because of the active inflammation process within the body.
Blood in Stool
This is also one of the common symptoms in case of Crohn’s disease that sometimes there comes a blood in stool. This situation is actually created due to the inflammation and ulcers which are responsible for bleeding.
Reduction in Appetite
A person suffering from Crohn’s disease observes a significant amount of reduction in appetite. This happens due to the discomfort and pain which is produced by inflammation and ulcers. This type of condition further leads to certain weight loss and malnutrition.
Mouth Sores
It is observed that ulcers in the mouth are very common in those people who are suffering from Crohn’s disease.
Perianal Disease
If you feel some pain or dryness near or around the anus then it may be an indication that you are suffering from this type of chronic disease. This pain and drainage actually happens due to the inflammation or infection.
Causes and Risk Factors
Similar to ulcerative Colitis, still medical is unable to know about the exact causes of Crohn’s disease. But still there are some factors that are actually responsible for spreading this type of fatal but manageable disease. Let’s talk about one by one.
Immune System
The immune system sometimes starts to attack the cells which are located in the digestive tract. This is because sometimes the immune system of the body reacts in an abnormal way due to some disorders in the functionality.
Genetics
Medical study shows that there is also a genetic link in case of Crohn’s disease. Those people have greater chances to become the victim of it that have already been affected by this complicated disease.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors also play a key role in contributing towards Crohn’s disease. These factors can be a diet which is rich in refined foods and a high fat diet.
Smoking
Smoking and the use of alcohol is not only worse in this case but also for your overall health. So if you are a smoker then quickly quit it as soon as possible.
Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly known as NSAIDs mainly lead to inflammation in the bowel. The production of inflammation can increase the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Diagnosis
Remember an effective diagnosis at its early stage in any type of disease is really very important for better and speed recovery. Same is the case with Crohn’s disease. So here in this segment of the article we are going to talk about the diagnosis option that you can take in this whole picture.
Blood Tests
As we have come to know that Crohn’s disease is a complicated one. Due to its complex characteristics it is important to perform a blood test. This blood test will examine the availability of anemia and other inflammation signs.
Stool Tests
It is very important to check out the symptoms related to digestive issues. For this purpose stool tests are really very critical especially to check out the possibility of infection.
Colonoscopy
In colonoscopy the doctor gets a complete picture of the colonic mucosa and terminal ileum. After visualizing it becomes very easy for a professional health Care to check out the severity of the disease and its complications.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy similar to colonoscopy but in this type of diagnostic test only sigmoid colon examines deeply.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are really very important in order to get comprehensive information through images of the bowel and other parts of the digestive system. Some of the common and important imaging tests in this case are X-rays, CT scan and MRI.
Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy diagnosis test is used in order to get an image of a small intestine. In this type of test a small capsule with a camera is injected inside the body of the patient and takes images of the small intestine in order to check out its condition.
Treatment Options
It is very important to keep in mind that Crohn’s disease has no cure discovered yet. But with the help of a proper treatment, you can manage this type of fatal disease in an effective way. Here in this part of the article we are going to talk about those important treatment options that can be taken in this situation.
Medications
Anti Inflammatory Drugs
A Professional health Care provider actually can prescribe anti inflammatory drugs that can reduce inflammation. These anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroid and aminosalicylates are commonly used to treat Crohn’s disease.
Immune System Suppressors
It is very important to target the immune system when it performs in an abnormal way. In order to reduce inflammation some important medicines like azathioprine, methotrexate are commonly used in this whole scenario.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are very important treatment options in order to reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease. The function of antibiotics is to fight against bacteria in the intestine.
Pain Relievers
It is better to use acetaminophen instead of NSAIDs. Because study shows that in case of Crohn’s disease it is better to use acetaminophen because it manages and reduces pain without complicating symptoms.
Anti Diarrheal Medications
Some anti-diarrheal medications are also very helpful to control severe types of diarrhea. Loperamide is considered the best medicine in this whole scenario.
Nutrition Therapy
You can also go for nutrition therapies in order to deal with symptoms of Crohn’s disease in an effective and comprehensive manner. Some important nutritional therapies include special diets and supplements. You can take internal nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplements in this context.
Surgery
Remember this option comes at the time when the situation becomes worse or serious. Medical study shows that about half of those people who are suffering from Crohn’s disease require at least one surgery in their lifetime. Now the question is why it is important to perform a surgical process. As we said earlier, when the situation becomes Severe and complicated then it becomes very important to remove the damaged areas of the digestive tract and many other parts related to those not functioning properly.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
You can also manage Crohn’s disease by adjusting your lifestyle and implementing home remedies. There are some points that you can take. Let’s have a look.
Diet Adjustment
It is very important to take a healthy and nutritionist diet in your daily routine. First of all identify and avoid those foods in your meal that are not good in case of Crohn’s disease. Try to consume low fiber, low fats and high protein diets in this type of medical disorder.
Stress Management
Stress actually produces a lot of difficulties in your life. Try to manage stress in an effective way as soon as possible. There are a lot of techniques that can be used in this scenario. You can go for yoga and meditation. The proper exercise is also helpful to reduce stress and its symptoms.
Managing Crohn’s Disease
Management is the key to success in any way of life. You have to adjust your life when you are suffering from Crohn’s disease. Here we are going to discuss some management techniques that you can adopt for a better and happy life.
Regular Medical Care
It becomes an essential duty for your beloved ones to make sure that you take regular medical care. Make sure to go for a proper regular checkup from a doctor. This will help you to monitor the disease in an effective way.
Take Regular Medicine
It is very important to take regular medicine but take those medicines which are prescribed by a professional health Care provider.
Healthy Diet
When you eat a healthy diet and consume those foods which are not good for your overall health then you can be in a position to avoid many diseases simultaneously. In this scenario you can consult your nutritionist for professional advice.
Stay Hydrated
Due to the presence of diarrhea the chances of dehydration increases. So in this context it becomes important to drink plenty of water and liquids to keep your body hydrated.
Stop and Quit Smoking
As we said and talked about so many times in our articles, drinking alcohol and smoking is not good for your overall health. So if you are suffering from Crohn’s disease then it is better to stop and quit smoking and alcohol. By doing this the chances of recovery increases.
Exercise
Taking regular exercise not only keeps you fit but also reduces stress and tension from your life. It can improve your mood and boost your health.
Support System
We have talked so much time about the support system because when someone is facing any kind of fatal disease then it becomes crucial to get motivation. This motivation and guidance can be obtained from those people who are already suffering from this type of disease.
Potential Severities
You must know that there are some severe types of complications in case of Crohn’s disease that you must be aware of. So in this part of the article, we are going to tell you what the possible issues are that should be tackled in a comprehensive way.
Bowel Obstruction
As we know, inflammation is the major culprit in the case of Crohn’s disease. But when this inflammation becomes worse or severe the intestinal wall becomes very thick that can lead to blockages as well.
Ulcers
It is very important to tackle inflammation in its early stages. Persistent inflammation can be the reason for ulcers anywhere in the digestive tract.
Fistulas
Another complication that can arise in case of Crohn’s disease is the abnormal relationship between intestine and other organs.
Anal Fissure
It is observed that when the inflammation becomes worse it can produce small tears in the tissues around the anus. By doing this a patient feels pain in bowel movements.
Malnutrition
When it becomes very difficult to absorb nutrition perfectly then it can lead to malnutrition that makes you tired and lack energy.
Colon Cancer
Medical study shows that the chances of colon cancer increases when a patient suffers from Crohn’s disease for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
It is a fact that there is no proper cure for Crohn’s disease. That’s why it becomes very crucial to understand what are its symptoms and what kind of treatment options can be used in order to tackle it more effectively. You can manage this chronic disease with proper medical care and modifications in the lifestyle. Besides that by getting support from your blood ones and those who are also suffering from this disease. So if you observe one of the above mentioned symptoms then you have to consult your professional doctor for further diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.