Crohns Disease Overview

Written By: Hann Wang 

Crohns disease is a serious condition that considerably reduces quality of life for those diagnosed. The disease is a chronic illness in which areas of the digestive tract (from the mouth to the rectal area) swell and thicken due to inflammation. The small intestines are most commonly affected but it can also be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. 

While anyone can be diagnosed with Crohns disease, it is more prevalent among younger people between the ages of 15 and 35.

The following provides an overview of Crohns disease, including its symptoms and how it is treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically vary for each patient, depending on the severity of the disease and the areas that are affected. Inflammation occurs when the immune system is fighting off foreign cells, thus leading to swelling of the digestive tract for those diagnosed with Crohns disease. The condition greatly affects this part of the body from functioning properly. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Many individuals also suffer from nutritional deficiencies as parts of the body (e.g. small intestine) that are responsible for absorbing nutrients become damaged. Crohns disease is a lifelong condition but symptoms may not be continuous. This means that those diagnosed with the condition experience sudden flares that eventually go away until the next episode.

Treatment

Crohns disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition as well as where it is located along the digestive tract. Treatment typically consists of controlling inflammation and relieving common symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.) by prescribing medication. These include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and immune suppressing medications.

While it won’t cure the disease, surgery is another treatment option for Crohns disease and may be necessary for patients who do not respond well to medications. Surgery involves removing the damaged areas of the digestive tract and joining the healthy parts together. Even with surgery, the likelihood of the condition recurring later on is very high.

If you are suffering from Crohns disease, your treatment options will depend on a number of factors. Be sure to consult with your doctor for additional details.