Crohn's disease: drugs, symptoms, causes, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease or Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back, but most commonly occurs in the latter part of the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine (colon).

How common is this disease?

Crohn's disease can occur in any gender and age, including children. However, most cases occur in people between the ages of 16-30 and 60-80 years.

In adults this disease is more often experienced by women than men. Meanwhile, in children, more boys are affected by this disease than girls.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Crohn disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms vary from person to person and some symptoms may occur more frequently than others.

Some of the typical signs and symptoms of Crohn disease are:

Diarrhea and constipation continuously alternate
Bloody stools
Want to defecate immediately
Abdominal cramps and pain
Often feel incomplete defecation
Fever and body fatigue
Decreased appetite and decreased body weight

Apart from the above symptoms, some people also complain of other symptoms. Some of the less common symptoms of Crohn's disease are:

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

These symptoms range from mild to severe. Usually, symptoms develop gradually, but sometimes they can appear suddenly without warning and be more severe.

Some of them may also experience symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Launching the Mayo Clinic page, you need to get doctor care as soon as possible when experiencing Crohn's disease causes the following symptoms:

Severe stomach pain
Bloody stools
Diarrhea that does not get better after taking the medicine without a prescription
Fever that lasts for a day or two
Weight loss with no known cause

Cause

What causes Crohn's disease?

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Even so, researchers believe that there are two important things related to the development of Crohn disease, namely:

Autoimmune reactions

Researchers believe bacteria or viruses can trigger the immune system to attack the inner lining of the intestine. This immune system reaction causes inflammation, causing symptoms.

Gen

Crohn's disease sometimes runs in families. Research has shown that people who have parents or siblings with Crohn's disease may be more likely to develop the disease.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Crohn disease?

Apart from the causes, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing Crohn's disease. The factors for Crohn's disease are:

Age

Crohn's disease can strike at any age. However, most people are diagnosed with this condition at a young age, that is, before entering the age of 30.

Smoker

Smokers contain various substances that can cause inflammation. That means, a smoker will be more likely to get Crohn's disease.

Environment

Living in an environment with industrial or factory exposure to chemicals. This most likely contributed to the development of Crohn's disease.

Certain drugs

Using certain drugs can also increase the risk of Crohn's disease. Some of the drugs in question that can cause inflammation of the intestines, making Crohn's disease worse are ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac sodium.

Certain types of food

Eating a diet high in fat can also increase a person's chances of being more likely to develop Crohn's disease.

Complications

What are the complications of Crohn's disease?

Not treating Crohn's disease properly causes symptoms to become worse. Worse yet, it can lead to complications.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, complications that may occur due to Crohn disease are:

Blockage in the intestine that can block the flow of digestive contents and injure the intestinal wall.
The appearance of an abscess (pus-filled lump) in the digestive tract, mouth, anus, and around the intimate organs.
There is a small tear in the tissue lining the anus and this can cause infection.
Malnutrition due to diarrhea symptoms and the intestines cannot absorb certain nutrients properly.
Inflammation makes the cells around the large intestine abnormal, causing cancer in the colon.
Causes other health problems, such as anemia, skin diseases, osteoporosis, or arthritis.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests for Crohn's disease?

To be able to diagnose Crohn's disease, doctors can use the following methods:

Colonoscopy. A test to see the overall condition of the colon by inserting a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera into the body.
Imaging test.A test to observe detailed images of the intestine and tissue outside the intestine with the help of X rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A test to create a detailed picture of the intestines and tissues using a magnetic field and radio waves.
Capsule endoscopy.A test to observe the small intestine with a special instrument that produces an image that is transmitted to a monitor.
Balloon enteroscopy.This test is used to see the condition of the small intestine more clearly if the endoscope is not reached with assistance overtube.

What are my treatment options for Crohn's disease?

To date, there is no drug that specifically treats Crohn's disease. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, control inflammation, and prevent complications. Treatment usually involves drug therapy, surgery, and nutritional therapy.

Mild diarrhea can be controlled with ORS, fluid intake and proper food. If the diarrhea gets worse and doesn't go away after three days, you can use anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine and mercaptopurine, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.

In addition, your doctor can recommend that you use vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, iron and vitamin D. You can take painkillers (other than ibuprofen or naproxen) if symptoms are severe and disrupt activity.

If medications and a healthy diet can't help you control Crohn's disease, your doctor may recommend surgery. After that, the patient still needs medication to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy, or other treatments don't relieve your signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend stomach surgery.

Nearly half of people with Crohn's disease will need at least one operation. This medical procedure is performed to remove inflamed tissue in the digestive tract, close the fistula, and drain the abcess.

However, surgery can still make Crohn's disease come back. That is why you should still follow the treatment with drugs.