Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. While it can develop at any age, it typically starts in childhood or early adulthood. Although Crohn’s can result in severe pain, chronic diarrhea, and other symptoms, there are many treatment options available. In this blog, our gastroenterologists explain Crohn’s disease so you can better understand the condition and learn how to manage symptoms.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract; the five main types are:
- Ileocolitis: This most common type affects the end of the small intestine and colon
- Ileitis: Only affects the end of the small intestine
- Gastroduodenal: Affects the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine
- Jejunuileitis: Causes patches of inflammation, mainly in the small intestine
- Crohn’s Colitis: Only affects the colon
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Depending on what part of your gastrointestinal tract is affected, Crohn’s symptoms vary greatly. Below are some common symptoms.
Abdominal pain and cramping
Pain is common due to inflammation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It usually occurs in the lower right abdomen but varies.
Urgent bowel movements
It is caused by inflammation and increased activity in the intestines, leading to a strong and urgent need to use the restroom.
Constipation
While less common than diarrhea, one in 10 people with Crohn’s will be affected due to the narrowing of the intestines.
Nausea and vomiting
This can result from bowel inflammation, obstruction, or other GI complications.
Fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, loss of appetite
Fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and loss of appetite are often interconnected symptoms in chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease. Fatigue arises from chronic inflammation and nutrient malabsorption, while joint pain may be linked to enteropathic arthritis. Skin issues such as erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum and a loss of appetite due to gastrointestinal discomfort compound the overall health impact.
Crohn’s Disease Treatment
When treating Crohn’s, the goal is to control inflammation, resolve nutritional issues, and reduce flare-ups. Treatment often includes a multipronged approach involving medication, surgery, and lifestyle or dietary changes, which we explain below.
Medications
Crohn's disease is typically managed with a combination of medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. First-line treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, which help decrease inflammation in the digestive tract.
Immunosuppressants may be prescribed to further suppress the immune system's abnormal response. For more severe cases, biologic agents, including TNF-alpha inhibitors, can target specific proteins involved in inflammation, offering more targeted relief.
Diet and nutrition
Managing Crohn's disease often involves tailored dietary adjustments to minimize symptoms and ensure adequate nutrition. Working with a dietitian can help address specific nutritional needs and prevent deficiencies.
Lifestyle changes
Adopting specific lifestyle changes can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Crohn's disease. Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and quitting smoking are crucial, as they can help reduce disease activity and enhance overall well-being.
Surgery
Surgery for Crohn's disease may be necessary when medications and lifestyle changes fail to control symptoms or complications arise. Procedures can include resection of affected bowel segments or strictureplasty to alleviate obstructions. While surgery can provide relief and improve function, it is generally considered only when medications are not helping. Even after surgery, patients may require ongoing medication and follow-up care.
At New York Gastroenterology Associates, we specialize in detecting and treating Crohn’s disease. While there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, it is certainly treatable through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
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