crohn’s disease: do you know the signs?
crohn’s disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) that causes the tissues lining the gastrointestinal tract to become swollen and irritated, can interfere with the body’s ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.
4 minute read
determining the presence of crohn’s disease can be difficult because the symptoms overlap with other gastric conditions. getty
crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) that causes the tissues lining the gastrointestinal tract to become swollen and irritated. this inflammation can produce painful symptoms and interfere with the body’s ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.
crohn’s disease can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, according to the canadian digestive health foundation, but is frequently found in the large bowel or the ileum (the last section of the small intestine). although patients may experience periods of activity and remission, the disease is a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure. researchers still aren’t sure what causes crohn’s disease or even the best ways to manage it.
symptoms of the disease, which can range from mild to debilitating, change over time and can, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening complications. weight loss and malnutrition are common concerns when treating crohn’s disease as patients often avoid foods they believe will bring on painful symptoms.
fortunately, there are therapies available that help keep the symptoms of crohn’s disease check and, in some cases, produce long-term remission. with proper treatment, patients can expect to enjoy the same life expectancy as those without the disease.
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symptoms of crohn’s disease
the signs of crohn’s disease often develop slowly, with some growing worse over time. according to crohn’s and colitis canada, when they do begin to appear, symptoms can include:
- abdominal pain and cramping
- diarrhea (can be severe and include blood)
- rectal bleeding
- gas or flatulence
- vomiting or nausea
- decreased appetite or weight loss
- bloating
- fever
- anemia
- fatigue
- sores in the mouth or around the anus
diagnosing crohn’s disease
determining the presence of crohn’s disease can be difficult because the symptoms overlap with other gastric conditions, such as celiac disease, parasitic infection and irritable bowel syndrome (ibs). as there is no single test capable of confirming diagnosis, doctors try to rule out other potential sources of the symptoms on display. this process can include:
- blood tests — used to rule out anemia, signs of infection, nutritional deficiencies and other diseases
- stool tests — used to look for blood in the digestive tract or the presence of infection-causing bacteria
- endoscopy — provides a better look at the upper gastrointestinal tract
- colonoscopy — provides a better look at the large bowel. a biopsy is usually obtained during an endoscopy or colonoscopy to provide additional information for diagnosis
- imaging tests — ct scans, mris and ultrasounds provide doctors with a clearer picture of a patient’s organs and tissues
- capsule endoscopy — patients swallow a pill containing a camera that travels down the digestive tract while taking pictures. photos are sent to a recorder before the camera exits painlessly in a patient’s stool. this procedure is not commonly used for crohn’s cases as inflammation can make it difficult for the camera to get where it needs to go
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treating crohn’s disease
every case of crohn’s disease is different. treatment, therefore, is tailored to a specific patient and finding the proper approach and dosage can take time. these treatments, according to the mayo clinic, can include:
- anti-inflammatory drugs — corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation, but they do not work for everyone
- immunomodulators — prevents inflammation by suppressing the immune system
- biologics — works by blocking specific proteins made by the immune system that may trigger inflammation
- antibiotics — may reduce some of the symptoms of crohn’s and reduce harmful inflammation-causing bacteria in the intestine
- other medications — doctors may also prescribe antidiarrheals, pain relievers and vitamins and supplements
- nutrition therapy — a special diet can be given by mouth — or by feeding tube to give the bowel a chance to rest and heal
- surgery — if all else fails, doctors may opt to physically remove part of the digestive tract and reconnect the healthy sections. these benefits are usually temporary
preventing crohn’s disease
there is no way to prevent crohn’s disease, but lifestyle changes — including eating a healthy, low-fat diet, managing stress, exercising regularly and quitting smoking — may reduce flare-ups among the already diagnosed.
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prevalence of crohn’s disease
canada has one of the highest rates of irritable bowel disease (crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) in the world, affecting more than 300,000 canadians. by 2030, it is expected that 400,000 canadians — or around one per cent of the population — will be impacted. both diseases are expensive to treat and the annual cost of caring for patients is an estimated $1.28-billion per year.
support for crohn’s disease
for more news and information on crohn’s disease — or ibd in general — visit crohn’s and colitis canada or the canadian digestive health foundation.
dave yasvinski is a writer with healthing.ca
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