Crohn’s Disease is when you have inflammation of your digestive system, also know as the GI tract. It can happen anywhere in your GI tract, but its usually at the end of the small intestine. It is considered a type of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBD is much more severe. It is a chronic disease than can have pretty severe symptoms, but sometimes people don’t feel any symptoms at all. Classic symptoms include severe diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain (there can be many others but these are the most common). Some healthcare providers refer to three different stages of Crohn’s Disease:
- Flare ups- presence of severe symptoms
- Maintenance- presence of symptoms, but less severe
- Remission- symptom free with little to no inflammation
Diagnosis can involve blood tests, MRIs and, unfortunately, some pretty uncomfortable procedures like a colonoscopy, to name a few. But, your physician may require or prefer additional tests.
What causes Crohn’s Disease?
The exact cause of Crohn’s is still unknown. But it is believed it could be genetic (send a thank you letter to mom and dad). Or it could also be caused by environmental factors or an overactive immune system. Or a combination of all of these things. In addition, smoking can significantly increase your risk for developing Crohn’s.
Know the triggers.
Crohn’s Disease can be triggered by certain foods and medications. Triggers can worsen flare ups or cause a relapse in symptoms while someone is in remission.
Foods and drinks
The types of foods that trigger symptoms can be different for each person, but usually it’s fatty foods or gas producing foods like beans, lentils, and broccoli. So, if you’re someone with Crohn’s it’s important for your diet to contain low fat products and products low in dairy. In addition, gas producing carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated drinks should be avoided as these are also well known triggers.
Medications
The most common class of medications that can cause flare ups are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, and some others. It is important to avoid these medications if you have Crohn’s.
Additional Tips for Crohn’s Management
- Stress can also be a trigger, so it may be time to try and minimize stressful situations
- Smoking cessation can also reduce the amount of flare ups you have and also help with preventing relapse after surgery
- Smaller, more frequent meals can help control symptoms
- Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
- Drink lots of water
- Over-the-counter probiotics can help
Treatment
Depending on the severity of symptoms and the preference of your physician, your treatment can start as aggressive or conservative. Visit crohnsandcolitis.com (link below, but finish reading this first lol) to see a great breakdown of how to characterize your symptoms and get more detailed information about treatment. There are many different types of treatments that your physician could prescribe, and again it boils down to severity and their preference. Treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Antibiotics
- Most treatments involve taking a steroid
- Over-the-counter antidiarrheals and other supplements like vitamins B12 and D, iron, or calcium
Some people may require more complicated treatments than others. If your body doesn’t respond to medications, your prescriber may recommend surgery. It is important to know that surgery is not a cure, but a way to prevent major complications and reduce severity of symptoms. The goal of surgery is to go into remission, but there is a possibility your symptoms can return.
For detailed information about Crohn’s Disease visit crohnsandcolitis.com. This website is sponsored by a drug company, which I am not promoting, but it does have a lot of great info.
As always, please do not start or change the way you take any medications without first talking with your pharmacist or primary healthcare provider. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out to me.
Thanks for reading.
Take care.
-Richard
