Autoimmune Disease

Causes and symptoms of Crohn’s disease

There are certain conditions that are chronic and cannot be cured completely. These conditions often flare-up when the individual comes across certain environmental triggers and it becomes increasingly difficult to bring it under control. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract and causes severe abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition. Moreover, what makes Crohn’s disease more formidable is that it can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different people.

Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation that spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue and causes excruciating pain. This painful and debilitating condition can give rise to certain life-threatening complications. Moreover, there is no known cure for this condition, so the treatments are usually focused on reducing the severity of the signs and symptoms and bringing about long-term remission.

Causes of Crohn’s disease
Like a plethora of grave ailments whose causes remain debatable, even the exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown. Previously, doctors had suspected poor diet and stress as the harbingers of Crohn’s disease, but certain other aspects like hereditary and a malfunctioning immune system have emerged as likely factors that trigger this condition. It is believed that Crohn’s disease is caused by the following factors:

  • Immune system– There’s a high possibility that a bacterium or a virus can override the immune system and cause Crohn’s disease. When the immune system tries to attack the disease-causing microorganisms, the abnormal immune response can cause the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract as well, and thereby, give rise to an inflammatory response.
  • Hereditary– Studies indicate that a link between genetics and Crohn’s disease exist. So, if a family member has Crohn’s disease, there are high chances that the person is susceptible to developing the same condition in near future.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
In some people, a segment of the small intestine, ileum, is affected. Whereas, in others, the disease is usually confined to the colon, a part of the large intestine. Also, the signs and symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. At times, this condition manifests itself after the signs and symptoms become quite prominent, whereas, there are instances when Crohn’s disease strikes without any prior warning. When the disease is active, it gives rise to signs and symptoms like:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramping
  • Mouth sores
  • Blood in the stool
  • Reduced appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Pain or drainage around or near the anus due to inflammation from the tunnel into the skin

These are some of the common signs and symptoms people experience when the condition affects them in the initial stages. People who suffer from severe Crohn’s disease may also experience symptoms like:

  • Inflammation of the eyes, skin, and joints
  • Delayed growth or sexual development in children
  • Inflammation of liver or bile ducts.

As Crohn’s disease has no cure, the treatment and lifestyle changes ensure that the individual can lead a seemingly normal life. However, if the individual doesn’t make the necessary lifestyle changes or opt for the right treatment options, then they will have to face severe complications like bowel obstruction, ulcers, fistulas, anal fissures, malnutrition, and even colon cancer.