Crohn's Disease Unveiled: Symptoms, Causes

Gastro Sciences | by Dr. Ajay Mandal | Published on 24/06/2024

Millions of individuals globally experience Crohn's disease, a severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An individual’s quality of life may be hugely affected by this incapacitating disease, causing several symptoms that range in severity from mild to serious. The complications of Crohn's disease will be comprehensively explored in this blog, including its various types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments. 

If you or your loved ones are experiencing irritable bowel, then book your appointment with one of the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata at The CMRI. Their personalised treatment approach, availability of advanced scientific trials, and comprehensive care that considers both mental and physical aspects of having Crohn's disease. Patients receive the best care possible thanks to their state-of-the-art technologies.

Please note that this blog is for informational purposes and does not replace the relevance of a gastro doctor’s consultation. 

What is Crohn’s Disease?

An autoimmune condition, Crohn’s disease inflames the digestive tract affecting the areas of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including the mouth, the anus, and the colon. Serious discomfort and crippling symptoms may occur from the inflammation, which usually prolongs deep into the tissue of the intestinal tissue. The symptoms of this condition can fluctuate in severity because of its unpredictable nature. 

What Are the Types of Crohn’s Disease?

There are various types of Crohn’s disease, depending on the location of the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract:

Types	Description
Ileocolitis	The most common form affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.
Ileitis	Involves inflammation in the ileum.
Gastroduodenal	Affects the stomach and the duodenum.
Jejunitis	Causes patchy areas of inflammation in the upper half of the small intestine (the jejunum)
Colitis	Involves only the colon, also referred to as granulomatous colitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease might differ extensively depending on the location and inflammation severity. Some common symptoms are: 

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal Pain and Cramping
• Blood in Stool
• Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Reduced Appetite
• Fever
• Mouth Sores
• Perianal Disease

What Are the Causes of Crohn’s Disease?

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not known, but various factors are identified to be primary contributors:

• Immune System: Inflammation can be caused by an abnormal immune response targeting the cells in the digestive tract.
• Genetics: Family history aggravates the probability of growing Crohn’s condition.
• Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, and stress can trigger symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
• Bacterial Factors: Inflammation can occur from an immunological reaction caused by specific bacteria present in the intestines. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Crohn’s Disease?

Risk factors that can exacerbate the possibility of developing Crohn’s disease are:

• • Age: Crohn’s disease can arise at any age, but usually starts between ages 15-35.
  • Family History: The risk is hugely increased if a close relative has Crohn's disease.
  • Smoking: The severity of this condition can be increased by smoking cigarettes.
  • Stress: The body’s response to stress can contribute to triggering Crohn’s disease. 
  • Location: Urban living and industrialised nations have higher occurrences of this condition.

How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose Crohn’s disease, physical examination, a medical history, and other tests are involved. Your doctor will ensure the following:

• Blood Tests: Helps to detect the signs of anaemia or infection.
• Stool Tests: Identifies blood or infectious organisms present in the stool.
• Colonoscopy: Enables the doctor to have a straight colon view and ileum allowing for biopsies to be collected.
• Imaging Tests: Involves CT scans, MRIs, and barium X-rays to assist in visualising the severity of intestines inflammation.
• Endoscopy: This involves upper endoscopy and capsule endoscopy. It allows the doctor to take pictures or show inflammation pictures or videos through a thin tube with a light and camera known as an endoscope.

What Are the Treatment Options for Crohn’s Disease?

There is no cure available for Crohn’s disease, however, there are several treatment options that help manage the symptoms:

• Medications: Includes anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, steroids, biologics, antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-diarrhea medications.
• Nutritional Therapy: To manage symptoms and proper nourishment, special diets and nutritional supplements might be involved.
• Surgery: Surgery is required for about half of the patients to repair damaged GI tract or manage the effects of this condition like fistulas and structural anomalies.
• Lifestyle Changes: Involves eating a healthy diet, smoking cessation, and stress management with yoga, meditation, and counselling.

Conclusion

Crohn's disease is a chronic and complex disease for people having this condition and their families. It is important to understand the different types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors of this condition. Several tests are usually performed to diagnose the condition like blood tests, endoscopy, imaging tests, stool tests, and colonoscopy. Treatment options often involve medication, nutritional therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery in rare cases. Even though Crohn's disease has no known cure, people can live normal lives with proper treatment methods. If you or a loved one has this condition, you must seek medical assistance to manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. 

Faq - 

 

Is Crohn's disease curable? 

No cure is available for Crohn’s disease, but it can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery in certain cases.

Is Crohn's disease fatal? 

Crohn's disease is not usually fatal but can cause severe complications such as bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and inflammation requiring clinical attention.

Is Crohn's disease genetic? 

Yes, Crohn's disease has a genetic constituent, with a family history aggravating the risk of growing the condition.

Can Crohn's disease cause cancer? 

Crohn's disease enhances the colorectal cancer risk, specifically with severe disease and long-term inflammation.