Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. This can lead to belly pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. It is estimated that more than three-quarters of a million people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease. It affects approximately 6 to 8 million people globally.

Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract and most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. Overall, it can be both painful and debilitating. Sometimes, it may lead to serious or life-threatening complications.

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Crohn’s disease typically include:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Fever.
  • Fatigue.
  • Belly pain and cramping.
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss.
  • Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation from a tunnel into the skin called a fistula.

People with severe Crohn’s disease also may experience symptoms outside of the intestinal tract, including:

  • Inflammation of skin, eyes, and joints.
  • Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Iron deficiency, which is called anemia.
  • Delayed growth or sexual development, in children.

It is recommended to see a doctor when the following occurs:

  • Belly pain.
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Fever in addition to any of the above symptoms.

What Causes Crohn’s Disease?

While there is no known single cause of Crohn’s, it’s related to a malfunctioning immune response in the body.

Usually, your immune system attacks and destroys pathogens and germs that enter the body. Inflammation is a sign that your body’s immune system is fighting the germs. As soon as the threat is gone, your immune system calms and the inflammation disappears.

An autoimmune response happens when your immune system starts attacking your body’s own cells. For example, your immune system may launch an inappropriate attack on bacteria normally found in your gut, causing Crohn ’s-related inflammation in your intestines.

Risk Factors of Crohn’s Disease

Risk factors of Crohn’s Disease may include:

  • Family history: People with a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child with Crohn’s are at higher risk of getting the disease as well. As many as 1 in 5 people with Crohn’s have a family member with it.
  • Age: You can get Crohn’s at any age, but a large percentage of people are diagnosed in their late teens through early 30s.
  • Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of Crohn’s. Studies have found that it doubles your risk. It also leads to more severe disease.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines: These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), diclofenac sodium, and others. While they do not cause Crohn’s disease, they can lead to inflammation of the bowel that makes it worse.
  • Stress: Your body’s stress response may contribute to flares.

Treatment Options

There’s no known cure, but therapies can greatly reduce the symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease can function well.

At Magnolia Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, our functional medicine practitioners specialize in the diagnosis and management of digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease. They can provide the care you need to improve immune health, alleviate symptoms, and restore overall health and well-being.

For more information, contact the Magnolia Medical Center at (615) 953-9007 to request an appointment!