Crohn’s Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Crohn’s disease or Crohn’s disease is a chronic medical condition caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.
Understanding
Crohn’s disease or Crohn’s disease is a chronic medical condition caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can attack all parts of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus. However, this disease more often affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine (colon).
This disease is rare but can affect all people, including children. Most of the first cases occur at the age of 16–30 years. Many cases also occur in the elderly between 60-80 years.
It is also known that Crohn’s disease affects women more often than men. However, in children, it affects boys more often than girls. The disease is common among Jews of European descent but is rare in Asians and blacks.
Reason
Until now, the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is still unknown. Some studies mention that there is a combination of causal factors that may contribute to the onset of this disease, such as:
- genetic factor
- A family history of having this disease will increase your risk of experiencing the same thing in the future.
- immune system
- Inflammation that occurs can be caused by a problem with the immune system. Thus, the body also attacks the healthy bacteria in the gut.
- previous infection
- Infections from other diseases that have been experienced can stimulate the immune system.
- smoke
- People with Crohn’s disease who smoke show more severe symptoms than those who don’t smoke.
- environmental factor
- This disease is common in western countries such as the UK and less common in poorer countries such as Africa. There is a hypothesis that this disease is related to a germ-free environment so that the immune system does not develop properly.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, the doctor will carry out a physical and supporting examination. Blood tests are carried out to determine the level of inflammation in the body and to detect infection and anemia (bleeding from the digestive system can cause anemia).
The stool sample will also be examined for mucus, blood, or other infection. Examination to get a clearer picture can be done through endoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as examinations such as CT scans and MRI.
Over time, the inflammation can get worse. Because of that early diagnosis is very important. Various complications can occur if this disorder is not treated immediately, such as conditions that can narrow the intestines, form fistulas (the formation of an unusual connection between the intestines and the skin near the anus or vagina), and even life-threatening risks.
Symptom
In general, Crohn’s disease shows the following symptoms:
- recurrent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain that gets worse when eating
- weak or tired easily
- unwanted weight loss
- feel a lump in the stomach or stomach feels full
- bleeding and mucus in stools
The symptoms that arise can only occur one or all of them immediately. The levels also vary, some experience mild symptoms, and some are very severe. These symptoms can also last for weeks or months.
There are times when people with Crohn’s disease experience no symptoms at all or the symptoms can be very mild for a long time. This stage is known as remission. However, remissions may return followed by flare-ups, when the symptoms become quite severe and bothersome.
Other symptoms that occur more rarely usually include:
- fever (over 38 degrees Celsius)
- nauseous
- vomit
- painful and swollen joints (arthritis)
- eye irritation and inflammation (uveitis)
- painful, red, and swollen skin usually on the legs
- ulcer
- stunted growth in children
Treatment
Until now there is no specific type of treatment to cure Crohn’s disease. The goal of drug administration is to stop the inflammatory process, relieve accompanying symptoms, and avoid surgery.
The first stage of treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms by using steroid drugs to reduce inflammation. If it doesn’t help, drugs to suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) will be used. Other symptoms can be treated with anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, and other anti-inflammatories.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the inflamed part of the intestine. When the main symptoms have resolved (can be considered entering the remission stage), further treatment is still being carried out to maintain that stage with immunosuppressants.