Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that falls under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is characterized by inflammation that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary widely depending on the area of the GI tract affected and the severity of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping: Often located in the lower right side of the abdomen.
• Chronic diarrhea: Sometimes accompanied by urgency.
• Unintended weight loss: Due to malabsorption of nutrients.
• Fatigue: Caused by inflammation and the body’s immune response.
• Fever: Often associated with flare-ups.
• Blood in stool: A sign of intestinal bleeding.

Complications of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Fistulas: Abnormal connections between different parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other organs.
• Strictures: Narrowing of the intestine due to chronic inflammation and scarring.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Resulting from poor absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Increased risk of colorectal cancer: Particularly with long-term inflammation.

Ulcerative Colitis: A Related Condition
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is another form of IBD. While it shares similarities with Crohn’s disease, there are distinct differences:

• Location: Ulcerative colitis specifically affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum, whereas Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract.
• Inflammation Pattern: In UC, inflammation is continuous and limited to the inner lining of the colon, whereas in Crohn’s, it can be patchy and affect deeper layers of the intestinal wall.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The symptoms of UC often include:

• Frequent diarrhea: Often with blood or pus.
• Abdominal pain and cramping: Typically located in the lower abdomen.
• Urgency to defecate: Often accompanied by an inability to pass stool.
• Rectal bleeding: A hallmark symptom of UC.
• Fatigue and weight loss: Caused by nutrient loss and inflammation.

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors:

• Immune system dysfunction: The immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract.
• Genetics: Family history of IBD increases the risk.
• Environmental factors: Such as smoking, diet, and stress.