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Could You Have Crohn's Disease?

A bout of diarrhea here and there is fairly common. From stomach bugs to hormones to food poisoning, the list of potential culprits runs the gamut. But when the occurrences become more persistent, it can be sign of a more serious problem, namely Crohn's disease. 

What Is Crohn's Disease?                       

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a group of conditions that includes Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and sometimes a few rarer forms of colitis. Crohn's is a chronic inflammation of portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients can suffer flare-ups – symptoms that come and go. 

Crohn's can cause inflammation of any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, even skipping some areas. Inflammation most commonly affects the end of the small bowel and beginning of the colon, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). 

This inflammation can cause painful symptoms that may require medication or surgery. Unfortunately, no known cure exists. 


 

Signs of Crohn's Disease 

What you may think is just indigestion or "tummy troubles" could be signs of a more serious condition like Crohn's. 

GI tract inflammation at any point may cause symptoms like: 

  • diarrhea;
  • painful abdominal cramps;
  • constipation;
  • rectal bleeding;
  • urgent bowel movements; and
  • incomplete evacuation. 

There are other general symptoms associated with Crohn's disease according to the CCFA, such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue and appetite loss. Women may experience unexplained interruptions in their normal menstrual cycles. 

The symptoms of Crohn's disease vary in severity and duration. Some people experience months of symptoms and then feel perfectly normal for years. However, once Crohn's disease develops, sufferers are always at risk for a relapse. 


 

Crohn's disease is diagnosed by a doctor through: 

  • a general physical exam;
  • testing blood and stool samples; and
  • imaging scans of the GI tract. 

In some cases, further testing using endoscopy and biopsy of the colon or other GI tract tissue may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. 

Risk Factors for Crohn's Disease 

Experts don't know what causes Crohn's, but researchers have identified several risk factors that increase the risk. While some of these factors are preventable, such as cigarette smoking, other factors are not. 

Unavoidable risk factors include age, ethnicity and family history. While Crohn's can occur at any age, it is most common in patients younger than 30 years old. 

Caucasians have the highest rates of Crohn's disease, especially those of Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent, according to the Mayo Clinic. Family history of Crohn's, including close relatives such as parents or siblings with the disease, may increase the risk. 


 

Lifestyle changes may keep Crohn's at bay. Smoking increases the risk of developing Crohn's disease, and those with a family history of Crohn's should consider quitting smoking to reduce the risk. 

Using certain medications such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods of time can weaken the GI tract and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Children who undergo an appendectomy early in life may be at a higher risk for developing Crohn's disease. While there is no clear evidence as to whether diet has any impact on developing Crohn's, certain foods may aggravate symptoms and cause flare-ups. 

If you think you have Crohn's disease, avoid foods that are known to cause gas. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding: 

  • beans;
  • cabbage; and
  • spicy food. 

Dairy products may cause diarrhea or gas in those who are lactose intolerant, so dairy should be limited. Fiber can be a problem for Crohn's sufferers, especially fiber found in nuts, seeds and popcorn. 


 

Early Detection is Key to Treatment 

As with many diseases, the earlier Crohn's is diagnosed, the better a patient's quality of life can become over time. "These are common disorders with bad consequences if not detected and treated early," says Dr. Ramnik Xavier of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 

Xavier authored a study published earlier this year that identified the microbiome in early-onset Crohn's. "If we can begin to change that, we can really make a difference in the lives of our patients." 

Studies currently are underway to identify genetic markers and the bacteria present in cases of Crohn's disease in order to detect risk, begin treatment earlier and find a cure. Doctors are focused on treating Crohn's as early as possible because of the prevalence of secondary injuries or conditions that may occur from serious Crohn's. 


 

Some of the associated complications of severe Crohn's disease include: 

  • perforated bowel;
  • stricture;
  • fistula;
  • abscesses; and
  • malabsorption or malnutrition. 

Crohn's may cause or contribute to complications outside of the GI tract including an increased risk of: 

  • kidney stones;
  • osteoporosis;
  • skin ulcers;
  • swelling; and
  • joint pain. 

Crohn's patients are also at a slightly greater risk for several other diseases, such as colon cancer and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease. 


 

Any abnormal bowel functions require a trip to the family doctor to discuss symptoms. Instead of trying to manage symptoms as they appear, a diagnosis and treatment could lead to much faster remission or relief. Remember, there's no harm in asking the doctor about abnormal symptoms. The answer could lead to treatments that can improve quality of life!