Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in your digestive tract. It is a type of inflammatory disease (IBD) which is also known as regional enteritis or ileitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, but it commonly affects the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon. This article focuses on the types, causes, signs, and food plans for Crohn’s disease to help individuals manage it better.
Understanding Crohn’s disease
Types
There are six types of Crohn’s disease based on the location of the affected area in the digestive tract. Ileocolitis is the common form that affects the end of the terminal ileum and colon. Its symptoms are diarrhea, pain in the middle or lower part of the abdomen, and sudden weight loss. Ileitis, another type of Crohn’s, has the same symptoms, but it affects only the ileum. In severe cases, fistulas or inflammatory abscesses may occur in the abdomen. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease affects the stomach and duodenum, the starting part of the small intestine. The symptoms of these conditions are nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Jejunoileitis occurs when there are patchy areas of inflammation in the upper half of the jejunum or small intestine. Common symptoms are mild pain or cramps after eating and diarrhea. Crohn’s colitis affects only the colon. Its symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, joint pain, abscesses, fistulas, or ulcers around the anus. The last type is perianal Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation around the bowel, leading to bleeding, pain, pus, or bowel incontinence.
Causes
The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are not known. However, some factors such as your immune system, genes, and environment play a role in developing it. According to a research study, about 20% of people who have Crohn’s disease also have a blood relative with the same condition. The disease is prevalent among eastern European people; however, there has been an increase in cases reported among African-American people as well. Patients affected with this condition are likely to catch infections from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Crohn’s disease is more common in developed countries, urban cities, and northern climates. The illness can happen at any age but is prevalent in adolescents and adults aged 15 to 35 years.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease do not develop suddenly. Patients may experience flare-ups followed by a period of no or very mild symptoms, also known as remission. Remission may stretch up to weeks and years. There is no conclusive reason for flare-ups, and the early symptoms of Crohn’s disease are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and frequent urges to pass stool. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions such as food poisoning, an upset stomach, or an allergy. It is advisable to visit a doctor if the symptoms worsen. Progressed stages may witness perianal fistulas, resulting in pain near the anus. Other symptoms are inflammation of joints and skin, formation of ulcers in the mouth or anus, shortness of breath, or anemia.
Diagnosis
A doctor may ask individuals to take one or more tests to find the cause of their symptoms. A blood and stool test is one of them. This helps clarify if you have an infection, bacteria, or parasites. A low red blood cell count indicates anemia, a common sign of Crohn’s disease. Doctors sometimes recommend a colonoscopy, wherein a thin tube with attached light and camera is used in this test to examine inside your colon. A tissue sample (biopsy) from the colon may also be taken to look for signs of inflammation. A CT scan is another test that helps doctors understand the severity of inflammation in the digestive tract. Other tests that help diagnose Crohn’s are MRI scans, upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, and upper GI exam.
Food plan
The food you eat does not cause Crohn’s disease; however, it can lead to flare-ups. Changes in your food may help in managing the symptoms of this condition and lessen its severity. You can start by adjusting your fiber consumption. Sometimes the presence of excess fiber can aggravate the GI tract but it is best to speak to your doctor before limiting your consumption. One should limit their fat intake as Crohn’s can affect the body’s ability to break down fats. Excessive fats can possibly lead to anemia. Drinking enough water is also important since the condition makes it difficult for the body to absorb water, resulting in dehydration. It is important to eat nutrient-rich foods and consume a healthy amount of vitamins. Patients can work with a qualified nutritionist to find out what type of food regime suits them.
