Symptoms and Sign of Crohn's Disease

Symptoms and Sign of Crohn's Disease

This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation may cover any part of the digestive tract - from the mouth to the anus, but most often happens in the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and colon.

The most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Exhaustion
• Weight loss

Over time, inflammation can lead to damage to the digestive system, which in turn can lead to narrowing of the colon. Patients suffering from Crohn's disease may not develop symptoms (for weeks or even months). This condition is known as remission - a temporary reduction or disappearance of the symptoms.

Less common symptoms are:

• high temperature of 38 degrees (fever)
• feeling sick (nausea, vomiting)
• joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
• inflammation and irritation
• rashes
• blood and mucus in the stool

5 factors causing  Crohn's disease

Exact causes of this disease are not known yet, but there is a combination of factors that may be responsible:

1.Genetics - genes inherited from parents.
There is a vast amount of facts showing that genetics play a significant role in the development of Crohn's disease. They were identified 32 different specific genetic mutations which are more common in people with Crohn's disease than in the general population. There is also proof that this disease can be a hereditary defective.
Three of 20 people have close relative who has suffered from Crohn's disease. Moreover, this disease may be more prevalent in some ethnic groups, unlike others.


2.Imunne system - it may be responsible for inflammation of the digestive system.
The immune system provides protection from harmful bacteria that could potentially come into the digestive system. She in turn, "hosts" 500 different bacteria that help digest food. In Crohn's disease, it occurs a collapse of the immune system, thereby it could be a send a special signal / agent to kill all bacteria, no matter is it good or bad. So, it’s the reason for swelling of the lining of the digestive system.

3.Infection, appeared earlier - it can provoke a breakthrough in the immune system.
In some genetically susceptible individuals, who have had previous infections in childhood, may develop Alzheimer's disease at a later stage of their life. Possible source of this disease is the bacterium (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis). It occurs in cows, sheep and goats. This can happen when drinking milk from infected animals, but there is no precise evidence yet.

4.Environment - it can also provoke Crohn's disease.
According to some sources, Crohn's is known as rich men’s disease.It occurs more often in the US and UK, and less in Africa and Asia. It is assumed that children in rich countries aren’t so often exposed to infections(as in poorer ones) and their immune system is "frail" because of sterile and controlled environment.

5.Smoking -smokers usually have more severe symptoms than non-smokers.
According to some sources smoking is the major risk factor of the development of Crohn's disease.
                                
When to seek medical help?

• Non stop diarrhea
• constant pain in abdomen
• unexplained weightloss
• blood in stools

Crohn's disease - nutrition. Which foods to avoid?

Foods that should be avoided are different for each person, but some of these foods may trigger the symptoms:

• alcohol (beer, wine)
• oil, mayonnaise, margarine, oils
• carbonated beverages
• coffee, tea, chocolate
• dairy products
• fatty foods (fried foods)
• foods high in fiber
• legumes (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions)
• nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters)
• raw fruits and raw vegetables
• red meat and pork
• spicy foods, whole grains

Experiment with different types of foods to see which is best for you. You can experiment with different preparations. Restricting certain foods can help control symptoms.