Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory condition. It is part of a group of disorders called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of your digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but you’re most likely to have symptoms in the small and large intestines. 

With Crohn's disease, you could have a range of symptoms like abdominal (belly) pain, weight loss and digestive problems. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for Crohn’s disease can help you manage the condition and improve your health and well-being.

What is Crohn’s disease? 

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes swelling and irritation in your digestive tract (gastrointestinal or GI tract). With it, you may have inflammation, ulcers (sores) and narrowing in your digestive system. It disrupts your digestion.

A similar condition, ulcerative colitis, usually only affects the colon. Crohn’s disease may affect various areas, including your mouth, stomach, intestines and rectum. 

Crohn’s disease is considered an autoimmune condition. That’s because with it, your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract and causes damage with inflammation.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease symptoms depend on which part of your digestive tract is affected. You may only have mild symptoms or you may have severe flare-ups that have a large impact on your life and activities. 

Symptoms tend to come and go. In some cases, symptoms could be severe enough that you need hospital care.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: Long-lasting, cramping pain in the stomach area may be mild or intense. The pain often gets worse after eating.
• Diarrhea: You may need to make urgent trips to the bathroom.
• Weight loss: Because you don’t absorb enough nutrients, you might have unexplained weight loss. You may lose weight slowly or quickly, depending on how severe the disease is. 
• Fatigue: Chronic inflammation can make you feel tired and sap your energy. 
• Loss of appetite: You may not want to eat because of abdominal pain, bloating and digestive issues.
• Nausea: You may have an upset stomach.
• Blood in stool: In some cases, you could have bleeding in the intestines that passes in your stools.
• Joint pain, skin rashes or fever: These symptoms are less common.

If you have symptoms of Crohn’s disease, contact your health care provider. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions. Your provider can determine what’s causing your issues.

Causes and risk factors

It’s not clear exactly what causes Crohn’s disease. Researchers think that genetic, immune system and environmental factors may play a role. Here’s what may make Crohn’s disease more likely: 

• Family history and genetics: You’re more likely to have the condition if a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has it.
• Immune system issues: With Crohn’s disease, an overactive immune system may mistakenly attack your own tissues.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor. It can make the disease more severe and make it more likely that you’ll have complications from it.
• Age: Most people are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease before age 30, although you can develop it at any age.
• Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jews are at higher risk. 
• Diet and lifestyle: Diet does not cause Crohn's disease, but it may trigger flare-ups. Foods high in fat, fiber or dairy may make your symptoms worse.

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease 

To diagnose Crohn’s disease your provider may suggest different tests and evaluations. They will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. If they think you may have Crohn’s disease, they may order:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can show signs of inflammation and increases in the level of blood markers for the inflammatory process. A complete blood count (CBC) can identify anemia, which is common in people with Crohn's disease.
• Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI can help show which parts of the digestive system are inflamed and the severity of the inflammation. 
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: With these procedures, a provider inserts a flexible tube through the mouth (endoscopy) or rectum (colonoscopy) to check the digestive tract for signs of Crohn's disease. They may also take a biopsy (tissue sample) to examine in a lab.
• Stool tests: These tests may rule out infections or other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as bacterial infections or parasitic diseases.

Complications and side effects of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can lead to several complications:

• Bowel obstructions: Inflammation can make parts of the intestine narrow or blocked. These obstructions can be painful and you may need surgery to treat them.
• Fistulas: Fistulas are abnormal connections that form between the intestines and other organs or your skin. They can cause a lot of discomfort and get infected. 
• Abscesses: These are pockets of pus caused by untreated inflammation.
• Malnutrition: When you can’t get enough nutrients due to inflammation, you may develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause fatigue and weight loss.
• Mental health impact: Living with a chronic disease and the possibility of flare-ups may lead to anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. It’s important to manage the emotional aspect of Crohn’s disease.
• Increased cancer risk: The inflammation from Crohn’s disease can raise your risk of colorectal cancer and small bowel (intestine) cancer.

Treatment options for Crohn’s disease

While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, treatment may help you manage inflammation, control flare-ups and prevent complications. By managing your symptoms, you can improve your quality of life. 

Treatment options include:

• Medications: Drugs like corticosteroids may reduce inflammation during flare-ups. Immunosuppressive medications can help control your immune system’s response and prevent more damage to the intestines.
• Diet changes: Modifying your diet may help, especially during flare-ups. A diet low in fiber, dairy or fats may help you feel better. You may need nutritional supplements to make up for deficiencies.
• Biologics: Several biologic drugs including a newer class of biological agents like risankizumba are the cornerstone of therapy. They target specific molecules that contribute to inflammation in the gut. They can be very effective for moderate to severe symptoms when other treatments don’t work.
• Surgery: If medications aren’t working or you have complications, you may need surgery to remove damaged parts of your intestines. Surgery can help with symptoms, but it doesn’t cure Crohn’s disease.

Living with Crohn’s disease

To live as well as possible with Crohn’s disease, you’ll want to manage your symptoms, monitor flare-ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some suggestions:

• Track your symptoms: Keeping a symptom diary can help you spot patterns, such as foods that trigger flare-ups or changes in your health.
• Get emotional support: Mental health is as important as physical health. Counseling, therapy or support groups can help you manage the emotional challenges of living with Crohn’s disease.
• Schedule regular check-ups: Your health care provider can help monitor the disease, adjust treatments and prevent complications.

Why choose Banner Health for Crohn’s disease care?

When you’re living with Crohn’s disease, you need a partner to help you manage symptoms, avoid complications and care for your emotional health. At Banner Health, we understand what it’s like to live with Crohn’s disease.

Our experts use advanced diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of your condition. With our personalized treatments, you have the support and care you need to live well with Crohn’s disease.

We also offer resources like counseling and therapy to help you cope with the mental health challenges of living with a chronic illness. 

If you or a loved one have symptoms or have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, don’t wait to get the care you need. The sooner you begin treatment, the better. Contact a Banner Health expert and take the first step toward improving your quality of life.