What You Need to Know About Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly the small intestine and colon. The disease can cause severe digestive problems, significantly affecting a patient's life. Understanding the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of Crohn's disease can help you better manage this challenge.

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease in which the patient's immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing inflammation. The inflammation may penetrate all layers of the intestinal wall, leading to complications such as intestinal ulcers, strictures, and fistulas. The inflammation can cause pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and other symptoms. It is a long-term (chronic) disease. Crohn's disease usually develops between the ages of 15 and 40.

What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

At the onset or onset of Crohn's disease, you may experience:

1. Digestive system symptoms

▸ Abdominal pain (usually in the right lower quadrant)

▸ Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

▸ nausea and vomiting

▸ decreased appetite

2. Systemic symptoms

▸ fatigue

▸ weight loss

▸ fever

3. Other symptoms

▸ Skin problems (erythematous nodules)

▸ joint pain

▸ eye inflammation

Crohn's disease in children may cause growth retardation or the inability to grow normally.

How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

Most people diagnosed with Crohn's disease first see their doctor because of persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or unexplained weight loss. As part of your checkup, you may want to see a doctor who specializes in treating digestive disorders, called a gastroenterologist.

Your doctor will consider your medical history (including your symptoms) and family history. They will perform a physical exam to see if you have symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as abdominal swelling or tenderness. They may perform a series of tests to rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis.

How is Crohn's disease treated?

Currently, Crohn's disease cannot be completely cured, but medications and other means can be used to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

1. Drug treatment

▸ Anti-inflammatory drugs: such as sulfasalazine and mesalamine, are suitable for mild to moderate inflammation.

▸ Immunosuppressants: such as azathioprine and methotrexate, used to modulate the immune response.

▸ Biological agents: such as anti-TNF drugs (infliximab, adalimumab), suitable for moderate to severe patients.

▸ Antibiotics: used to control infections.

2. Surgical treatment

When medications fail to control the disease or serious complications occur (such as intestinal obstruction, fistulas), surgery may be needed to remove the diseased area.

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What are the risk factors for Crohn's disease?

The following are risk factors that increase your chances of developing Crohn's disease, including:

▸ Age (<30 years old)

▸ smoking

▸ use anti-inflammatory drugs

▸ Family history of Crohn's disease

▸ Increased intake of high-fat or processed foods

▸ Bacterial infection is present

How to prevent and deal with Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease cannot be prevented; however, the following methods may reduce attacks and relieve symptoms:

▸ quit smoking

▸ Daily yoga helps relieve stress

▸ Avoid taking painkillers

▸ low fat diet

▸ exercise regularly

Crohn's disease is a complex, chronic disease that has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. However, with scientific treatment and a healthy lifestyle, many patients can achieve long-term remission and maintain a normal life. Understanding the disease and actively working with your doctor are important steps in overcoming Crohn's disease.