Bloodwork, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Supplements

Living Well with Crohn’s Disease: Understanding Symptoms, Management, and Taking Control

Dealing with digestive issues can be frustrating and confusing. If you’ve been experiencing persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other uncomfortable symptoms, you might be wondering about Crohn’s disease. As your Blood Buddy, we’re here to provide you with clear information about Crohn’s disease, its impact on your health, and how to effectively manage it.

What Exactly is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease affecting the digestive tract. In Crohn’s disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your digestive tract.

Crohn’s disease causes patches of inflammation (swelling) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most often affects the lower part of the small intestine. The swelling spreads deep into the lining of the tissue.

Recognizing the Symptoms: What to Watch Out For

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary in severity and location, and they may come and go over time. Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal (belly) pain and cramping

  • Diarrhea

  • Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool

  • Decreased appetite and weight loss

More serious symptoms can include fever, tiredness, eye redness, constipation, joint pain, or rectal pain.

Blood Buddy can help you track these symptoms and identify patterns or triggers that might be affecting your condition.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease? Unraveling the Mystery

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes Crohn’s disease. But they do know that certain factors can increase your risk:

  • Age: Most people are diagnosed between 20 and 30 years old, but it can occur at any age.

  • Family History: About 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have a parent, brother, or sister with the same disease.

  • Race or Ethnicity: White people and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk.

  • Where You Live: It’s more common in cities, developed countries, and northern climates.

  • Certain Medicines: Isotretinoin (Accutane), a steroid medicine used to treat acne, has been linked to Crohn’s disease in some studies.

  • Smoking: Smoking can make Crohn’s disease more severe and increase the need for surgery.

How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

Your doctor may use several tests to diagnose Crohn’s disease:

  • Blood Tests: To check for anemia and ensure your cells are getting enough oxygen.

  • Stool Sample Test: To look for bleeding or infection in your intestines.

  • Colonoscopy or CT Scan: To examine the inside of your intestine and check for inflammation. A tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken during a colonoscopy.

Managing Crohn’s Disease: Treatment Options and Actionable Steps

There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but treatments can effectively manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve your quality of life. Treatment options may include:

  • Medicines:

    • To reduce inflammation.

    • That keep the immune system from attacking the digestive tract.

    • To treat infections or diarrhea.

  • Food and Nutrition:

    • A high-calorie, high-protein diet to prevent malnutrition and weight loss.

    • Avoiding whole grains, spices, alcohol, and milk products when you have diarrhea and cramping.

    • Special nutrition supplements

  • Surgery: If medicines don’t control your symptoms, surgery may be necessary to remove a diseased part of the intestine or correct complications.

Potential Complications: What to Be Aware Of

Crohn’s disease can worsen over time, leading to complications such as:

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Sores (ulcers)

  • Nutrition problems

Key Takeaways:

  • Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease affecting the digestive tract.

  • Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss.

  • There is no cure, but treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

  • Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and smoking cessation, can play a crucial role in managing Crohn’s disease.

  • Talk to your doctor

When to Call Your Doctor:

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Continued changes in bowel movements

  • Severe abdominal or rectal pain

  • Blood in your stool

  • Ongoing diarrhea that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medicines

  • Weight loss

  • Fever

By understanding Crohn’s disease and working closely with your healthcare team, you can take control of your health and live a fulfilling life.