What is Crohn's Disease? Let's learn everything about it simply

Frequent stomach aches, bloating that lasts for days, loss of appetite, feeling lethargic... Have you been suffering from these things for a long time? Sometimes we think of these as a simple stomach ache, but they can be a deeper, long-term health condition. Today we are going to talk about Crohn's Disease, a lifelong but well-managed condition.

What exactly is Crohn's Disease?

Simply put, Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract (intestines). It is an autoimmune condition. This means that our body's defense system, the immune system, mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, especially those in the intestines. Imagine that instead of attacking foreign enemies, our country's army is attacking our own people. This disease, along with another similar disease, Ulcerative Colitis, belongs to the group of diseases called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The small intestine and the large intestine are most commonly affected in Crohn's disease.

Are there types of Crohn's disease?

Yes, this disease can affect any part of our digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. However, it is divided into several types depending on the area affected. For convenience, let's look at it this way.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Symptoms can start suddenly or develop gradually. Some people have these symptoms all the time, while others may feel like they come and go. The time when symptoms are active is called a "flare-up."

Main features related to the digestive system

• Frequent stomach aches or pain.
• Persistent diarrhea (diarrhea).
• Loss of appetite and weight loss .
• Blood in the stool when going to the toilet (rectal bleeding).
• Mouth sores or gum pain.
• Unexplained fever and fatigue.
• Infections or abscesses around the anus.

Symptoms affecting other parts of the body

Crohn's disease is not limited to the intestines. Sometimes symptoms can appear in other parts of the body as well.

• Joint pain (Arthritis).
• Skin rashes.
• Inflammation of the eyes (e.g. ` Uveitis` , `Episcleritis`).
• Kidney stones.
• Weakening of bones (` Osteoporosis` ).
• Small, hanging lumps on the skin around the anus (` skin tags` ).

What are the possible complications of Crohn's disease?

If this disease is not managed properly, some complications can occur, which may require additional treatment or even surgery. In addition, Crohn's disease may also slightly increase the risk of colon cancer and blood clots.

How does a doctor diagnose this disease?

If you have persistent stomach pain, bloating, or weight loss, you should first see your family doctor.Yes. If necessary, he will refer you to a gastroenterologist. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, family medical history, and perform a physical examination. Then, he may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Blood tests: Check for inflammation or infection in the body, or anemia.
• Stool tests: Check for other infections and measure the level of intestinal inflammation (Calprotectin test).
• Imaging: A CT or MRI scan can help determine the extent of the inflammation and whether there are any complications.
• Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera attached is passed into the body to examine the inside of the intestines.
• Colonoscopy: Examination of the large intestine by inserting a tube through the rectum.
• Upper endoscopy: Examination of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine by inserting a tube through the mouth.
• During these tests, a small piece of tissue (a `biopsy`) may be taken for testing.

What are the treatments for Crohn's disease?

There are two main goals of treatment: one is to reduce inflammation in the gut and bring the disease into remission. The other is to prevent flare-ups.

• Medications: There are a number of medications that reduce inflammation and control the activity of the immune system. Modern medications such as `Corticosteroids`, `Immunomodulators`, `Biologics` and `JAK-inhibitors` are used for this. All of these medications should be used only on the advice of your doctor .
• Nutrition: In some cases, special diets or enteral nutrition can help control the disease.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for complications such as intestinal obstruction and fistulas.

What can be done to prevent flare-ups?

• Avoid smoking completely: The best thing a person with Crohn's disease can do is quit smoking. Smoking worsens the disease and increases the risk of complications.
• Avoid certain painkillers:Some painkillers, such as `NSAIDs` (e.g. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), may worsen the condition. Ask your doctor before taking any medication.
• Manage your diet: Some foods (e.g., high-fat foods, dairy foods, carbonated drinks) can make symptoms worse. Keep a food diary to see what foods work and what doesn't. It's better to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of eating large meals.
• Manage stress: Stress can worsen the disease. It is important to get enough rest, exercise, and take care of your mental health.

What are the best times to see a doctor?

If you have Crohn's disease, see your doctor immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blood in the stool.
• Severe, uncontrollable stomach cramps.
• Uncontrollable bloating.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Excessive weight loss for no reason.
• Fever that lasts for several days.
• Inability to pass air (may be a sign of intestinal obstruction).

In such a situation, it is important to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital if necessary.