Crohn’s Disease And Its Complications
Crohn’s disease is a common intestinal pathology, which can be accompanied by various complications. In Spain alone it is estimated that there are about 115 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Most begin to express symptoms before the age of 30. In fact, almost 25% suffer from them before the age of 18.
Unfortunately, the origin of this disease is still unknown. In any case, it can have a very important impact on all aspects of the life of those who suffer it. Why? Next, we will tell you more about its symptoms and complications.
What is Crohn’s disease?
The chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract is known as Crohn’s disease. It occurs when an inflammatory process develops that involves segments of any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
In most people, the disease affects the ileum, the final part of the small intestine. The inflammation causes abdominal damage and symptoms to occur. For example, abdominal pain or malnutrition problems.
Until now, this disorder is still unknown in many respects to scientists. Its exact cause is not known, although it is related to an alteration of the immune system.
It is believed that an important factor in its development is the hereditary factor. Studies suggest that the disease is more common in people who have a family history of it.
Another hypothesis relates this pathology to virus or bacterial infections. Similarly, it has been found that other factors, such as diet or stress, can aggravate symptoms.
What symptoms does Crohn’s disease produce?
Crohn’s disease is very heterogeneous in terms of symptoms. Some people express mild discomfort, which almost goes unnoticed. However, others have complications that can be life-threatening.
Although it affects any part of the digestive tract, it is more common for the lesions to be located at the end of the small intestine or in the colon. According to its location, the symptoms may be one or the other. In addition, they can occur with stages of remission.
That is, there are symptomatic periods and others in which the symptoms disappear or are attenuated. One of the most frequent is abdominal pain, which can be very intense. Other clinical manifestations are the following:
- Diarrhea.
- Blood in the stool (only in some cases).
- Involuntary weight loss
- Nutrient deficiency.
- Prolonged fatigue
- Alterations in the growth process (in the case of children).
Crohn’s disease and its complications
Without proper treatment, Crohn’s disease tends to cause health complications. The inflammatory process leads to progressive tissue damage and, in turn, to the formation of fibrous tissue (scarring) in the area of the injury.
When the affected area is the intestine, this scar tissue can cause the intestine to narrow. This, in many cases, leads to intestinal obstruction. The contents of the digestion cannot pass through that area.
Another common complication is ulcers. They are formed when inflammation damages the wall and mucosa in greater depth, whether of the intestine, stomach or any other area.
These same ulcers, if they become too extensive, can generate a fistula. These are communications between two areas that, normally, are not communicated. For example, there may be a fistula connecting the intestine to the skin.
Meanwhile, if the rectum or anus is injured, an anal fissure can develop. It consists of the skin of the anus cracking. Being an area that is in contact with feces, the risk of infection is very high.
Other common complications
Many of the people with Crohn’s disease have digestion and nutrition problems. It is not only about weight loss, but there may be vitamin deficiencies and anemia. It even increases the risk of suffering from osteoporosis.
Numerous studies associate this pathology with an increased risk of colon cancer. It is important to note that this happens when the affected area is the colon.
Treating Crohn’s disease is important
Crohn’s disease is a fairly common chronic disease. Although to date there is no treatment that can cure it, there are several therapeutic options available to manage its symptoms and prevent complications.
For this reason, a doctor should always be consulted with any warning symptoms, such as persistent diarrhea or blood in the stool. The professional will carry out the pertinent studies to reach the diagnosis and choose the most appropriate treatment.
