What is Crohn's disease and how to deal with it?

Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system, most commonly affecting the ileum or large intestine.

The ileum is the last part of the small intestine. Its main function is for the absorption of fatty acids, glycerol, vitamin B12, and other bile salts. The ileum also releases hormones and enzymes to break down carbohydrates and proteins.

The function of the large intestine is to get rid of bacteria, waste, and food waste whose nutrients have been absorbed by the body. Because of this function, Crohn's disease can cause other conditions related to the digestive system.

What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Most of the symptoms of Crohn's disease occur in the digestive tract, although they can cause symptoms in other areas. The most common symptoms are:

• Diarrhea.
• Low-grade fever and fatigue due to inflammation or infection.
• Abdominal pain and cramps are caused by inflammation and injury to the digestive tract. Cramps can cause diarrhea and discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in your stool.
• Anemia, a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells than normal.
• Mouth ulcers due to mouth ulcers.
• Reduced appetite and weight loss due to cramps, stomach upset, and inflammation that reduce your body's ability to digest food.
• Perianal disease, pain or discharge near or around the anus due to inflammation of the ducts into the skin (fistula).
• Inflammation of the skin, eyes and joints.
• Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts.
• Skin changes such as redness, soft bumps under the skin.
• Delayed sexual growth or development in children

The symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and where it occurs.

In its early stages, Crohn's disease causes erosion of the intestinal wall. These erosions gradually get bigger and deeper until they form a boil. These ulcers can cause scarring and stiffness in the intestines, eventually narrowing the intestines and causing holes in the intestinal wall. The bacteria can spread from the intestine through the opening to other organs and around the abdominal cavity.

When the intestines are narrowed, it can block the flow of food and fluids. Symptoms of obstructed digestion then develop severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension.

What causes Crohn's disease?

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. However, research suggests a combination of factors may play a role, including:

• Genetics. People with family members who also have this condition are more likely to develop Crohn's disease.
• Immune system or previous infection. Bacteria or viruses can cause this disease. The immune system fights against incoming bacteria or viruses and may attack cells due to an abnormality.

What are the factors that put my risk of getting Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease risk factors can include:

• Age. Crohn's disease can occur at any age, but most cases of Crohn's disease are diagnosed before age 30.
• Ethnicity. Europeans are more likely to get Crohn's disease than other ethnicities.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These medications cause inflammation of the intestines that make Crohn's disease worse.
• Smoke. Smokers usually have more severe symptoms than non-smokers.
• Certain foods. Some foods are thought to trigger Crohn's disease.

How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will check your condition and family history to determine Crohn's disease. They may request some lab tests such as:

• Upper GI series : You're going to drink a mixture of barium and water. The doctor can see the flow of this fluid through the intestines and use an x-ray to see it.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan : This is a test that provides a more detailed image on many angles of plain x-ray.
• Intestinal endoscopy or intestinal endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted into your stomach so that the doctor can see the lining of the wall.
• Blood test: This test is designed to look for changes in red blood cells and white blood cells.
• Stool test: This test is usually used to rule out other possible causes that include other digestive disorders.

How is Crohn's disease treated?

There is no cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment usually includes drugs or surgery. Usually, you will be given drugs only to control this disease.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Aminosalicylates are drugs that contain 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA), which helps control inflammation. Aminosalicylates include:

• Balsalazide
• Mesalamine
• Olsalazine
• Sulfasalazine

Corticosteroids are prescribed for people with moderate to severe symptoms. In most cases, your doctor may not prescribe corticosteroids for long-term use.

Corticosteroids include:

• Budesonide
• Hydrocortisone
• Methylprednisone
• Prednisone.

Immune system suppressants, also known as immunomodulators, are used to reduce immune system activity, which reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. These medicines can take several weeks to 3 months to start working. Immunomodulators include:

• 6-mercaptopurine, or 6-MP
• Azathioprine
• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate

Biological therapy are drugs that target a protein made by the immune system. Neutralizing protein reduces inflammation in the intestines. Biological therapy works quickly to bring remissions, especially in people who do not respond to other treatments. Biological therapy incl

• Adalimumab
• Certolizumab
• Infliximab
• Natalizumab
• Vedolizumab.

You may also need other medications to control or treat symptoms of Crohn's disease.

• Anti-diarrheals: psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), loperamide (Imodium).
• Pain relievers: acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox).
• Iron supplements
• Vitamin B-12 shots.
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements

Operation

If medications don't reduce symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery. More than 20% of people with Crohn's disease need surgery. Surgery doesn't cure Crohn's disease, but it can treat other conditions caused by it. Surgery is often a temporary solution.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove damaged parts of the intestine, such as fistulas and intestinal obstruction, or to drain the abscess, or to expand the part of the intestine that is too narrowed.

What foods should I avoid?

Many people with Crohn's disease report that they find one or more foods that frequently trigger Crohn's disease and make symptoms worse. Some common foods include:

• Alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine)
• Butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oil
• Soft drink
• Coffee, tea, chocolate
• Dairy products (if lactose intolerant)
• Fatty foods (fried)
• High-fiber foods
• Gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions)
• Nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other peanut butter)
• Raw fruit
• Raw vegetables
• Red meat and pork
• Spicy food
• Grains and bran.

To make sure Crohn's disease is controlled and prevent recurrences, you need to combine medication and surgery. Before you use any medication or decide to have surgery, check with your doctor about complications and side effects before you make a decision. You must tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.

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Definition

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can affect every part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. However, this disease most commonly occurs in the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine (colon).

The ileum is the last part of the small intestine. Its main function is for the absorption of fatty acids, glycerol, vitamin B12, and other bile salts. The ileum also releases hormones and enzymes to break down carbohydrates and proteins.

Meanwhile, the function of the large intestine is to get rid of bacteria, waste, and food waste whose nutrients have been absorbed by the body. Because of this function, Crohn's disease can cause other conditions related to the digestive system.

How common is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is a disease that can occur in any gender and age group, including children. However, most cases occur in people between the ages of 16-30 and 60-80 years.

In adults, this disease is more common in women than in men. Whereas in children, more boys are affected by this disease than girls.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Meanwhile the symptoms that arise vary from patient to patient and some symptoms may occur more than others.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease are:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Want to defecate immediately
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Often feel incomplete defecation
• Constipation (can cause intestinal disorders)

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Check with your doctor if you have persistent changes in bowel habits or if you have any of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease listed above.

Cause

What causes Crohn's disease?

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. However, the researchers believe that there are factors that may cause this disease. Some of the factors that cause Crohn's disease are:

• Autoimmune reactions. Researchers believe bacteria or viruses can trigger the immune system to attack the inner lining of the intestine. This immune system reaction causes inflammation, causing symptoms.
• Gen. Crohn's disease sometimes runs in families. Research has shown that people who have parents or siblings with Crohn's disease may be more likely to develop the disease.
• Environment. Some studies suggest that certain things in the environment can increase a person's chances of developing Crohn's disease, although the overall odds are low.
• Certain drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and birth control pills can increase the chance of Crohn's disease.
• Certain foods. Eating a diet high in fat can also increase your chances of developing Crohn's disease.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Crohn's disease?

Some of the things that can trigger Crohn's disease are:

• Smoke
• Alcohol abuse
• Eating dangerous foods
• Live in an area where the water is polluted
• Have close relatives such as parents, siblings, or children who have this disease

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Crohn's disease?

There is currently no specific cure for this disease. The goal of treating Crohn's disease is to reduce symptoms, control inflammation, and prevent complications. Treatment usually involves drug therapy, surgery, and nutritional therapy.

Mild diarrhea can be controlled with water supplements and liquid Oreols and the right foods. If the diarrhea gets worse and doesn't go away after three days, you can use anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.

In addition, your doctor may recommend that you take vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, iron and vitamin D supplements. You can take painkillers if there is severe pain.

If medications and a healthy diet can't help you control Crohn's disease, your doctor may recommend surgery. After that, the patient still needs medication to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

What are the usual tests for Crohn's disease?

Some of the tests your doctor may do to diagnose Crohn's disease are:

• Occult fecal blood test and blood test
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• CT Scan and MRI
• Endoscopic capsule
• Double-baloon endoscopy
• Small intestine imaging

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat Crohn's disease?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help you manage Crohn's disease are:

• Stay active, unless you have to rest because of the symptoms that appear
• Take the medication as directed by your doctor
• Follow the diet plan of your doctor and a dietitian

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.