Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease or Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and is a long-term condition.
Inflammation can occur in all layers of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. However, this condition is more common in the end of the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine.
This condition can be painful, make the body feel weak, and can sometimes lead to complications that can be fatal.
People with Crohn’s disease may not experience any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms. However, there are times of relapse that can complicate the health of sufferers.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Well, the symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary, from mild to very severe.
Symptoms of this disease can also occur in any part of the digestive system. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Feeling very tired.
- Stomach ache and cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Stool mixed with mucus and blood.
- Decreased appetite.
- Extreme weight loss.
- Fever.
In children with Crohn’s disease, they can experience a slowdown in growth. Crohn’s disease needs to be treated immediately by a doctor if:
- The appearance of blood in the stool.
- Diarrhea that doesn’t go away.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Stomach ache and stomach cramps that don’t go away.
Causes of Crohn’s Disease
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown. Previously, diet and stress were considered as suspected causative factors.
It is now known that these things can only worsen the existing problem. In addition, there are several factors that can play a role in its development, namely:
- Autoimmune reaction. Researchers believe bacteria or viruses can trigger the immune system to attack the lining of the intestines. This immune system reaction causes inflammation, which can lead to symptoms.
- Genes. Crohn’s disease sometimes runs in families. Studies have shown that people who have a parent or sibling with Crohn’s disease may be more likely to develop the disease.
- Environment. Some studies suggest that certain things in the environment may increase a person’s chances of developing Crohn’s disease, although the overall likelihood is low.
- Certain medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and birth control medications can increase the chance of developing Crohn’s disease.
- Certain types of food. Eating foods high in fat can also increase the chance of developing Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s Disease Risk Factors
There are certain factors that are known to increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, namely:
- Hereditary factors. There is evidence that Crohn’s disease runs in families. Furthermore, Crohn’s disease tends to occur in only a few ethnic groups, further supporting the idea that it is a hereditary condition.
- Immune system. In people with Crohn’s disease, the immune system that is supposed to protect the intestines from harmful bacteria that enter the digestive system is disrupted. As a result, the immune system will attack both harmful bacteria and “good bacteria” (bacteria that help in the digestive process). This condition is thought to cause Crohn’s disease.
- Age factor. Although Crohn’s disease can occur at any time, it is more common in young people. Most Crohn’s disease is diagnosed before the age of 30.
- Smoking. The highest risk of developing Crohn’s disease is smoking, along with family history and ethnicity. People who smoke have twice the risk of non-smokers. Crohn’s disease symptoms in people who smoke are usually more severe and tend to require surgery for treatment.
- Infection. Infections that occur in childhood can cause an abnormal reaction from the immune system. This condition is ultimately thought to cause the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease
Your doctor will most likely diagnose the disease after ruling out other causes and confirming your symptoms. There are several tests that can be used to confirm whether you have Crohn’s disease, including:
- Initial examination. The doctor will ask about the pattern of symptoms experienced. In addition, the doctor will check whether there is a specific cause for the symptoms. For example, food, history of drug use, family health history, and recent travel that can cause diarrhea symptoms. Pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, and abdominal examination will also be carried out by the doctor to check general health.
- Blood test. This needs to be done to determine the level of inflammation that occurs in the body. In addition, with a blood test, the doctor will know if there is an infection. If the results of the blood test show signs of anemia, then there could be malnutrition or bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Stool examination. A stool sample will be examined for blood and mucus. From this procedure, the doctor can determine whether the symptoms experienced are caused by roundworm parasites or other conditions.
- Colonoscopy. This is a procedure done to examine the inside of the large intestine. This examination is useful for viewing microscopic changes in the cells of the digestive tract wall, which are characteristic of Crohn’s disease.
- Wireless endoscopy capsule. In this examination procedure, you are required to swallow a capsule that will go into the small intestine. The capsule will send images to a recording device. After a few days, the capsule will be removed from the body through feces. This is a single-use capsule. Not all hospitals have this very new procedure.
- CTE (computerised tomography enterography/enteroclysis) and MRE ( computerised tomography enterography/enteroclysis ). Both of these scanning methods can be used to diagnose Crohn’s disease of the small intestine.
Crohn’s Disease Treatment
Until now, there has been no specific treatment to cure Crohn’s disease.
For children with Crohn’s disease, treatment aims to improve the child’s growth and development. Some things you can do to reduce the symptoms that appear, namely:
Corticosteroids
Administration of corticosteroid drugs according to a doctor’s prescription to treat the inflammation that occurs.
To avoid the side effects of this drug, you need to reduce the dose slowly before finally stopping when the symptoms have improved.
Immunosuppressants
This drug also works to reduce inflammation, but the target of this drug is the producer of substances that cause inflammation, which is part of the immune system.
Usually, doctors will combine this drug with corticosteroids to provide a better effect.
This medicine is not suitable for everyone, and you should have regular blood tests while taking this medicine to check for side effects.
Operation
This procedure is performed if the benefits outweigh the risks.
This procedure involves removing the inflamed part of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy part.
Crohn’s Disease Prevention
In fact, there is no truly effective way to prevent Crohn’s disease from occurring.
One thing that can be done to reduce the risk is to make lifestyle changes towards a healthier one.
This can also relieve symptoms and reduce recurrence. Here are some ways:
- Quit smoking.
- Follow a healthy diet and maintain stomach health with high-fiber foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage stress properly.