Around 1.4 million Americans around the country suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Anyone can develop Crohn’s disease but not everyone is aware that they have it. Below, we’ll discuss what Crohn’s disease is, its symptoms, Crohn’s disease treatment and more.
What is it?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive—or GI—tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any portion of a person’s “gut” region, from the mouth all the way to the intestines. In the majority of cases, the small intestine is most affected by the disease.
Causes
For people who have Crohn’s disease, the body mistakes healthy bacteria for illness or bad bacteria in the GI tract, and attacks the healthy bacteria instead. Ongoing inflammation causes a thickening of the intestinal wall, which, in turn, triggers the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Studies have shown that there is a hereditary factor that can contribute to a person’s risk of developing Crohn’s disease. There has also shown to be an increased risk depending upon a person’s location and environment.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Symptoms of Crohn’s differ from person to person, depending on the type they have. Most common symptoms include pain the lower or mid-abdomen. Diarrhea and weight loss are also common side effects of Crohn’s disease. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease originates in the small intestine and the stomach and the main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can result in weight loss.
Crohn’s Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no one conclusive test to positively diagnose Crohn’s disease. If you suffer from chronic stomach and abdomen pains, diarrhea, weight loss or nausea, see a Crohn’s specialist who will run a series of diagnostic tests to rule out other possible conditions. Some common tests include:
Blood tests
Fecal tests
Capsule endoscopy or double-balloon endoscopy
Imaging tests, including CT scan or MRI
Colonoscopy
There is no true cure for Crohn’s disease, but don’t feel discouraged. Those diagnosed with Crohn’s can approach treatment with a series of different methods. Various medications can treat individual symptoms, while immunosuppressants can help control the body’s inflammatory response.
Proper nutrition is essential for people with Crohn’s disease. A nutritious diet can help reduce symptoms and allow for easier healing. Certain foods may trigger and worsen symptoms, while healthy, whole-food options can work to reduce inflammation in the body. Ask your Crohn’s disease doctor or nutritionist about dietary supplements recommended for anyone with Crohn’s disease.
While those suffering Crohn’s disease can never fully eliminate the disease, there are steps they can take to significantly lessen the symptoms and effects of Crohn’s disease so they can live a healthier, happier life.