in

What Is Crohn’s Disease ?

| What Is Crohn's Disease ? | green natural supplement What is crohns disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease that can affect all segments of the digestive tract. It owes its name to the American physician who first described it in 1932, Burril B Crohn. Present in Europe and North America, this non-contagious disease affects new people every year.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is characterized by alternating phases of flare-ups (also called attacks) and phases of remission. It is a chronic inflammation that can affect the walls of the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Most often, it affects the colon and the end of the small intestine.

It is characterized by attacks of abdominal pain and diarrhea that can last from several weeks to several months. People with the disease may experience weight loss and undernutrition if left untreated. There are also non-digestive symptoms associated with the disease, affecting the skin, joints or eyes.

Crohn’s disease causes

The origin of the disease is still unknown but would involve several factors. Among them we find:

  • Genetic factors: As in many other diseases, a genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors could trigger the disease. In addition, predisposition genes and certain gene mutations may increase the risk of the disease.
  • Autoimmune factors: Crohn’s disease has characteristics of an autoimmune disease (a disease where the immune system fights its own cells). An imbalance between the immune system and the intestinal flora could be responsible. Inflammation of the digestive tract is thought to be related to an excessive immune response by the body to viruses or bacteria in the intestine.
  • Environmental factors: The rapid increase in the incidence of Crohn’s disease in industrialized countries leads one to believe that the environment has a role in the onset of the disease. However, no specific factor has yet been identified. Exposure to certain antibiotics, a diet too rich in bad fats and a sedentary lifestyle could be risk factors.

Crohn’s disease symptoms

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms and their intensity vary from person to person.

Main symptoms:

  • Frequent and increased abdominal pain and cramping after meals
  • Chronic diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Fatigue and general malaise
  • Poor appetite and weight loss, even with a balanced diet

Other symptoms may also be present:

  • Blood or mucus in the stool
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mild fever
  • Joint pain

Crohn’s disease diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs and additional tests. No single symptom is diagnostic and there is no single test that can be used to determine if a person has the disease.

Complementary examinations consist of :

  • A blood test to look for signs of inflammation or anemia.
  • X-rays (MRI/abdominal x-ray)
  • Endoscopic examinations to determine the appearance and extent of the lesions.

Crohn’s disease treatment

Since the origin of the disease is unknown, the goal of treatment is to reduce the onset and intensity of relapses and to maintain periods of remission. There is no specific cure for Crohn’s disease, but a multilevel approach will allow patients to live normally and improve their quality of life.

First, smoking cessation is essential. Flare-ups become less severe and complications decrease.

In terms of diet, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet during periods of remission. During relapses, doctors recommend a diet without fibers (fruits, vegetables, etc.), without milk and without polyols (sodas, cakes, candies, etc.) to limit pain, diarrhea and the risk of obstruction.

Some anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs can be used to improve the quality of life of patients.

Finally, surgery is sometimes necessary to remove certain parts of the intestine that are too affected by the lesions.

Evolution of the crohn’s disease

When the disease is well managed, patients lead an almost normal life. But sometimes complications can appear.

Patients may have digestive complications (intestinal stenosis, fistulas, malnutrition, anemia, etc.) or extra-digestive complications (vascular problems, autoimmune diseases, cognitive disorders, sleep disorders, etc.). Psychological and professional repercussions are also possible, linked to the disabling nature of certain attacks.

Finally, recovery is rare. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease also have a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer later on. In children, Crohn’s disease often leads to growth retardation.

Living with Crohn’s disease

Once the diagnosis is made, the patient must undergo regular medical follow-up and examinations to check the effectiveness of the treatments and the evolution of the disease. Today, treatment allows the vast majority of patients to live a normal life.