What Is Crohn's Disease, Which Takes Over the Digestive System?

We typically attribute stomach aches after eating to overeating or gas. However, the cause could be something entirely different. Avrasya Hastanesi Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Ayşegül Navdar has shared important information about Crohn's disease, which affects the digestive system. Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, causes thickening and ulceration in one or several sections of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. This inflammatory condition generally occurs in the small intestine and at the junction where the small intestine meets the colon. Crohn's disease, which is frequently encountered in people aged 35-40, affects men and women equally and has a broad prevalence. It can cause thickening of the intestine and narrowing in these areas. The areas affected by the disease may be only a few centimetres long or can extend to lengths exceeding one metre. Approximately one-third of people with Crohn's disease have only the colon affected, another third have the small intestine affected. The remaining third may have both the small and large intestine affected by this condition. Very rarely, the stomach, oesophagus and mouth may also be affected.

Most Common Symptoms Are Abdominal Pain and Diarrhoea

Crohn's disease presents different complaints depending on the area where it occurs. However, the most common symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Those experiencing abdominal pain most often complain of pain in the area around and below the navel, particularly after eating. If there is significant narrowing in the intestine, patients may experience vomiting, bloating and constipation.

If Crohn's disease is present in the colon, blood in stool is also among frequently observed findings. In addition to all these;

• Fatigue and weakness, • Loss of appetite, • Weight loss, • Urgent need for bowel movements, • Frequent need to use the toilet, • Feeling of fullness that persists even after bowel movements, • Delayed development in children, • Unexplained high fever, • Cracks, abscesses and wounds around the anus causing inflammation may also occur.

Cause is Unknown

It is thought that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease. Specifically, a child with a family history of Crohn's disease has an increased risk of developing this disease compared to children from healthy families. In addition, bad habits such as smoking and alcohol, various bacteria and viruses ingested with food, and certain medications used may play a role in the development of this disease. Although stress is not among the direct causes of the disease, it plays a role in worsening the condition.

How is it Diagnosed?

Crohn's disease, which is frequently confused with ulcerative colitis due to its symptoms and location, requires many tests for accurate diagnosis. These include: • Blood test, • Stool test, • Biopsy, • Computed Tomography, • MRI, • Colonoscopy, • Endoscopy.

No Cure

Although Crohn's disease has no definitive cure, the approach is largely aimed at preventing disease progression and reducing its severity. For this purpose, steroid medications are preferred to reduce inflammation in the digestive system, immunosuppressive medications to suppress the immune system, and biological drugs for advanced stages. In addition, nutrition is quite important in the treatment of Crohn's disease. People with Crohn's disease must follow a special nutrition programme throughout their lives.