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December is Crohn’s Disease & Colitis Awareness Month
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. This can lead to belly pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different people. Crohn's most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating. Sometimes, it may lead to serious or life-threatening complications.
There's no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn's disease can function well.
Symptoms of Crohn's disease typically include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Belly pain and cramping
- Blood in the stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin, called a fistula
Symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but sometimes might come on suddenly, without warning. Someone with Crohn's disease also may have periods of time with no symptoms. This is known as remission.
The exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now healthcare professionals know that these factors may aggravate, but don't cause, Crohn's disease.
Risk factors for Crohn's disease may include:
- Family History
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Cigarette Smoking
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
See a healthcare professional if you have ongoing changes in your bowel habits or if you have any symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as:
- Belly pain
- Blood in the stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks
For more information on Crohn’s Disease, read here.
