Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the small intestine, but can affect any part of the digestive tract (from the mouth to the anus). It is associated with symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in the stool or fever.
This inflammatory bowel disease can be caused by genetic or autoimmune factors, and symptoms vary depending on the area of the intestine affected. Most patients will often experience periods of symptom flare-up with periods of remission.
Treatment for Crohn's disease is guided by a gastroenterologist and involves the use of medications and diet changes to reudce symptoms and relieve intestinal inflammation. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be indicated.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Stools with blood and/or mucus
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden urges to defecate
- Intense fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
Symptoms of Crohn's disease vary depending on the area region of the gut affected. They present in waves, in which patients experience periods of symptom flare-up with periods of remission. Each of these periods can last for weeks to months.
Some people with Crohn's disease may also experience other symptoms that are not directly related to intestinal inflammation, such as frequent mouth ulcers, painful joints, night sweats or skin changes.
Online symptom quiz
If you suspect you may have Crohn's disease, enter your symptoms below:
Please note that this quiz is only a guidance tool and does not provide a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
Is Crohn's disease serious?
Crohn's disease can be when complications start to develop as a result. If left untreated, this condition can result in intestinal obstruction or rupture, severe dehydration or malnutrition, which require immediate medical attention.
With the right treatment prescribed by a doctor and regular medical monitoring, Crohn's disease can be managed and patients can live an optimal quality of life.
Confirming a diagnosis
Crohn's disease is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist and typically starts with an assessment of your symptoms and health history.
If suspected, your doctor can orders tests like:
- Calprotectin stool test
- CBC blood work
- Abdominal ultrasound;
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy
- Abdominal and pelvic CT or MRI
- Video capsule endoscopy
These tests can help to diagnose Crohn's disease and rule out conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as an intestinal infection or ulcerative colitis.
Possible causes
The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not completely understood. It does present with intestinal inflammation, however, which may be related to genetic factors or abnormal immune system functioning.
Risk factors
The main factors that can increase your risk for Crohn's disease are:
- Family history of Crohn's disease
- Age (it is most commonly diagnosed between 15 to 30 and 40 to 60)
- Inadequate immune response to environmental triggers, such as medications, toxins or intestinal infections
- Changes in intestinal flora
- Smoking
Crohn's disease can develop at any stage of life, but is more common during periods of stress.
In addition to the above factors, it can also develop due to prolonged and/or unprescribed use of medications (like oral contraceptives, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories).
Is Crohn's disease contagious?
Crohn's disease is not contagious, as it is not an infectious disease and is not transmitted through contact with people who have this condition.
Treatment options
Treatment for Crohn's disease should be guided by a gastroenterologist, and is aimed at reducing intestinal inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing further complications.
The main treatment options for Crohn's disease include:
1. Medications
Medications that are commonly prescribed for Crohn's disease include:
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or budesonide, to reduce intestinal inflammation
- Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine or mesalazine, also reduce intestinal inflammation, mainly in the colon
- Immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine, which help reduce immune responses and can be used in cases where other medications are not effective
- Biological agents, such as infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab or risankizumab, which help to regulate immune system action
- JAK inhibitors, such as upadacitinib, which block the activity of specific proteins in the body that active the immune system
- Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or metronidazole, which can treat infections that are causing flare-ups and/or alter gut flora
The doctor may also consider other medications, like anti-diarrhetics, analgesics or vitamin supplements to help treat additional symptoms and prevent malnutrition.
Medications for Crohn's disease should always be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
2. Diet changes
Diet changes are an essential part of managing Crohn's disease and be guided by a registered dietitian. These changes are aimed at optimizing nutrient absorption and facilitating food digestion in the presence of intestinal inflammation.
In general, many patients may benefit from reducing or eliminating the intake of sugary foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and raw vegetables. Read more about
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid foods rich in sugar, alcoholic beverages and caffeine, chocolate or raw vegetables, for example. Learn more about a Crohn's disease diet and what to eat and avoid.
Patients who present with nutritional deficiencies may also be prescribed supplements as needed.
3. Enteral or parenteral nutrition
If, even with the appropriate diet, the person does not experience improvement in nutrient absorption or reduction in symptoms, the doctor may recommend a specific diet using enteral or parenteral nutrition.
Also recommended: tuasaude.com/en4. Surgery
Surgery may be recommended by the doctor if diet changes or medication are not effective in treating symptoms of Crohn's disease. It may also be necessary for patients who develop fistulas or narrowing of the intestines as a result of chronic inflammation.
Surgical interventions for Crohn's disease typically involve the removal of damaged portions of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy parts.
5. Lifestyle changes
Patients can reduce the frequency of flare-ups with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and managing anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for symptoms.
Also recommended: 5 Stress-Related Illnesses (& How to Treat Them) tuasaude.com/en/stress-related-illnessesLife expectancy
Patients with Crohn's disease will typically have a normal life expectancy when this condition is well-managed and monitored by a doctor.
Although there is no cure for this condition, proper treatment can reduce the number of flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Possible complications
The main complications of Crohn's disease are:
- Narrowing of the intestine that can lead to bowel obstructions
- Intestinal ruptures
- Formation of ulcers in the intestine, mouth, anus or genital area
- Formation of fistulas in the gut
- Anal fissures
- Malnutrition, which can lead to anemia or osteoporosis
- Inflammation in the hands and legs, as well as the appearance of lumps under the skin;
- Increased risk for blood clots, which can obstruct blood vessels
Crohn's disease is also associated with an increased risk for bowel cancer, therefore regular monitoring and colonoscopies are recommended.