Crohn’s Disease is a chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Unlike Ulcerative Colitis, it’s not isolated to one area, it can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. However, it typically affects the small intestine and colon.
Crohn’s Disease mostly affects adolescents and young adults, ages 15 to 35. An estimated 3 million people in the U.S. are affected by Crohn’s Disease, which equals about 50% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases.
The exact cause of Crohn’s Disease isn’t well known, but many doctors believe it has a lot to do with family history and environmental factors. Things such as your diet and stress can aggravate or trigger Crohn’s Disease, but never cause it in the first place.
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Crohn’s tends to run in families, so if you or a close relative have the disease, your family members have a significantly increased chance of developing Crohn’s. Studies have shown that 5% to 20% of affected individuals have a first–degree relative (parents, child, or sibling) with one of the diseases.
Bacteria that aid in digestion, which are harmless to your body, reside in your GI tract. Normally, your immune system doesn’t bother these bacteria, but for people with IBD and Crohn’s Disease, the immune system creates inflammation in the areas where those bacteria reside as a natural response.
Symptoms specific to GI tract inflammation include:
Other symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and most IBD conditions:
Sometimes, people with Crohn’s Disease may not experience many symptoms, but they can be triggered by specific foods. While digestive issues can be a symptom of numerous GI problems, talk to your doctor if specific foods give you these symptoms, as it may be a sign of Crohn’s Disease.
This is the primary form of immediate treatment for Crohn’s Disease. Medication won’t cure Crohn’s Disease, but the goal is to suppress it. As symptoms are suppressed, it allows time for your GI tract tissue to heal properly from any damage done to the lining which ultimately will increase the time between flare-ups.
An easy way to control flare-ups and triggers is to change your diet and nutritional intake. You will be advised on what foods to avoid and what to eat.
Surgery is only necessary if medicine and diet changes can’t control flare-ups. However, nearly 70% of people with Crohn’s Disease end up needing surgery at some point in their life. This is because Crohn’s Disease can lead to the creation of a fissure, fistula, or some intestinal obstruction. A portion of the affected area may also need to be removed, which is called a resection.
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
At GI Solutions, we prioritize your digestive health with expert care tailored to your needs. Here’s why middle-aged and elderly patients trust us:
Our team of board-certified gastroenterologists are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating esophageal motility disorders.
We offer a full range of diagnostic tests and treatments, ensuring you receive the best possible care all in one place.
We understand that each patient is unique, and we create individualized treatment plans to suit your specific health concerns.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a compassionate team, we strive to make your treatment experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
7447 W Talcott,
Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 631-2728
(872) 328-4880
Or click on the link below to fill the form.
Monday to Friday between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m (CET)
