By Apollo 24|7, Published on- 22 November 2022 & Updated on - 28 November 2022
Inflammatory bowel disease is a type of chronic inflammation that takes place in the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is such a typical disorder that is common in the small intestine area. However, the problem can also affect the large intestine and upper gastrointestinal tract.
Usually, the symptoms of Crohn's disease are characterised by similar symptoms of ulcerative colitis. These include rectal bleeding, pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue.
There can be five significant types of Crohn's disease, each with its own separate symptoms. These types are categorised based on which part of the gastrointestinal or GI tract the disease occur.
Ileitis is the most common type of Crohn's disease and occurs in the small intestine or ileum. It is known as ileocolitis when Crohn's disease occurs in the large intestine or colon, along with the small intestine.
Other types include jejunoileitis in the jejunum or middle part of the small intestine, gastroduodenal Crohn’s in the stomach and duodenum, and Crohn’s granulomatous colitis in the colon.
The severity of the illness can differ among people, ranging from mild symptoms in some to fatal complications in others.
There’s no cure available for Crohn's disease but if it is left undiagnosed, the symptoms can become severe. As a result, it can cause further obstructions due to recurring inflammation. Over time, the intestine can become thicker, narrowing the passages called strictures.
It is only by consulting a gastroenterologist that you can get the illness diagnosed. Also, there is no single test to confirm the presence of Crohn's disease, but stool examinations and blood tests need to be conducted.
On Symptoms
It is advisable to observe the early signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease to get diagnosed early. For instance, patients suffering from this illness tend to experience frequent flares. These are known as Crohn's flares and are some of the more prominent signs of the illness. These include bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. However, an individual should consult a gastroenterologist for rectal bleeding and abdominal cramps, two of the most noticeable symptoms.
Other signs to notice include the following:
After-Home Remedies
In some milder cases, patients can find relief using natural remedies at home. For example, natural herbal remedies and practising being mindful can help optimise the immune system. This can encourage the body to recover itself from the illness. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional about practising any such therapy along with medical intervention.
Regular Screening
Crohn's disease is usually more common among the younger population. This includes people currently in their late teens, 20s, and 30s. But the condition can occur at any age among men and women. Even young children are susceptible to the illness. However, heavy cigarette smokers run the highest risk of developing the disease. So, it is recommended to undergo screening like colonoscopy, every 1-2 years, especially for those having developed Crohn's disease in the past eight years.
Preliminary Discussion
Physical examination is part of the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease. It helps doctors understand the signs and symptoms better by listening to what the patient is experiencing.
The gastroenterologist will ask the patient about his/her medical history to understand the actual cause of such an occurrence. Other information on lifestyle, dietary practices, toilet habits, and whether he/she has undergone any surgery will further help in better diagnosis.
Physical Examination
After thoroughly discussing the medical condition and lifestyle practises, the doctor will opt for a physical examination. This includes checking for any signs of bloating in the abdomen.
The gastroenterologist may press a stethoscope on the abdomen to check for sounds. They will also tap or gently squeeze the abdomen area to find any signs of pain or tenderness. This helps the doctor determine the possibility of an enlarged liver or spleen.
The gastroenterologist can further recommend a visual examination to understand the condition. CT enterography is a type of CT scan that allows this. With the help of this special X-ray method, more details on the inside of the patient’s abdomen can be obtained. To do this, the patient is made to drink an oral contrast material to get intravenous contrast images of the intestine. Another method is magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, which sends radio waves to create a detailed visual representation. MR enterography also reduces radiation exposure compared to CT enterography. This is the reason an MRI is prescribed for younger patients.
A blood test is necessary for diagnosing Crohn's disease. It helps the gastroenterologist determine the presence of anaemia in the body. The doctor can also examine any inflammation, the status of liver function, and the presence of any existing infection, like tuberculosis, before proceeding to treatment. A blood test is also necessary for realising the immunity status of the patient against infections.
The doctor will also advise a stool test to determine the presence of any occult blood or organisms. A stool test also helps find bacteria or parasites that may cause infection.
In the case of Crohn's disease, the gastroenterologist may also prescribe a colonoscopy. This test provides a detailed view of the entire colon up to the very end of the terminal ileum. A thin and highly flexible tube, with a camera at the end, is entered into the GI tract. The doctor might even collect a small tissue sample from the area to send for biopsy analysis.
A capsule endoscopy test requires an individual to swallow a capsule with a camera. This allows taking pictures of the small intestine from within while the patient wears a recorder on his/her belt. These images are then downloaded to a computer for further examination and to detect Crohn's disease.
In some cases, the gastroenterologist may prescribe a balloon-assisted enteroscopy. In this test, a scope and an overtube are used that allows the doctor to view the bowel. A doctor prescribes this test to diagnose areas where the conventional endoscopes fail to reach. Doctors usually recommend this test when they notice some anomaly in the capsule endoscopy, but with questionable results.
An individual can try many home remedies to ease the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease.
1. Probiotics
People with Crohn's disease may have an imbalance of the naturally good bacteria in their guts. Consuming probiotics can restore this balance. The doctor may prescribe food like "live culture" yoghurt, miso, and sauerkraut.
2. Prebiotics
Another substance that aids in the growth of helpful bacteria in the GI tract are prebiotics. Consuming foods like bananas, leeks, unions, and asparagus regularly can provide relief from Crohn's disease.
3. Fish oils
Fish oils are a popular source of omega-3 fatty acids. This substance is essential in healing many inflammatory diseases. Eating fish rich in omega-3, like salmon and herring, can benefit patients with Crohn's disease.
4. Resting the bowel
It might also do some good to go on a liquid diet and give the digestive system some rest. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may prescribe drinking nutrient-rich fluids for up to a few weeks.
5. Aloe Vera
The gel found in the leaves of aloe vera is known for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. Drinking juice made with the gel can solve many bowel problems as well. Aloe vera is also known to boost immunity and help people deal better with Crohn's disease. However, consuming it in large quantities can cause diarrhoea.
6. Yoga
Making lifestyle changes may be necessary if a person has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Investing some time for daily physical activities can help improve the condition. An individual can also perform yoga as it focuses on breathing and posture, which significantly helps the body relax and prevents illness from flaring up.
If these natural remedies fail to bring about any positive outcome, the doctor may suggest medication. Although there is no permanent cure for this life-long problem, medicines can significantly ease the symptoms. Common medications for Crohn's disease are vedolizumab, infliximab, ustekinumab, adalimumab, risankizumab, and certolizumab pegol.
Even after making dietary and lifestyle changes if the medications fail to relieve symptoms, the doctor may prescribe surgery. This is not uncommon, as most patients of Crohn's disease have undergone at least one surgery in their lifetime due to the illness.
Now there are quite a few surgical treatments available for dealing with Crohn's disease.
When left untreated, Crohn's disease can cause ulcers in the open sores in the GI tract. These can occur not just in the anus but also around the mouth and genitals. These ulcers can further aggravate and form a fistula. The most common kind of fistula occurs near the perianal area.
Crohn’s disease can also alter the thickness of the wall within the intestine. This is a common problem among patients with the illness. As the bowel becomes narrow, it blocks the flow of the digestive contents and may require surgery.
Crohn's disease can also cause infections in the anus, causing small tears in the tissue lining the area. As a result, people suffering from the illness may experience painful bowel movements.
Suffering from Crohn's disease, in the long run, makes the patient more vulnerable to colon cancer. This is why such patients are recommended a colonoscopy every ten years once they reach the age of 45. Those whose colon has been primarily affected by Crohn's disease need to undergo a colonoscopy every 1-2 years.
Crohn’s disease is a progressive illness that has many stages, like:
Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are the only ways to prevent it from getting worse.
Stress is not directly a cause of Crohn's, but it can indeed worsen the condition, with occasional flare-ups. While treatment can provide remission to the pains, avoiding these flair-ups can be difficult under stress.
So, learning to control stress can help reduce these painful experiences. Moreover, it can help an individual maintain the emotional, mental, and overall physical health.
When assessing the common causes of Crohn's disease, smoking seems to be one of the most significant factors that need mentioning. Smoking doesn't just cause Crohn’s, but many inflammatory bowel diseases. Also, smoking regularly can impact Crohn’s disease, increasing the risks.
Smokers may need immunosuppressants and steroids and even have to undergo multiple surgeries. So, smoking cessation can be a major factor in improving the condition of Crohn's.
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Which complications are most common in patients suffering from Crohn's disease?
Having intestinal obstruction is one of the most common complications due to Crohn's disease. As the passage within the colon narrows down, it results in blockage of bowel movements. In medical terms, this is called the narrowing of the strictures. Patients can also suffer from kidney stones due to Crohn’s, as it disrupts the natural absorption of fat.
Can Crohn’s disease cure on its own without treatment?
No, Crohn’s disease is a life-long health problem that does not go away on its own. Once diagnosed, patients may experience occasional remission, but flare-ups can occur at any time, causing tremendous pain. It can worsen over time without medical intervention, giving birth to numerous other severe complications. So, medication and surgery by a medical professional may be required to keep the problems at bay.
Can someone die from Crohn’s disease?
The answer can be no and yes! Although Crohn’s itself is not a fatal illness, it can cause other complications which may be. Only a licensed gastroenterologist can diagnose the severity and location of the disease to examine the complications. So, you must be diagnosed at the earliest to prevent any fatal conditions from developing.