THURSDAY, June 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Crohn's disease can turn your life into a gastrointestinal nightmare, but there is hope.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), more than half a million Americans have Crohn’s disease, which has become more common in the United States in recent years. While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments that can help ease its symptoms.
Here, experts will discuss those symptoms, how Crohn’s disease develops and its different therapies. They'll also talk about the best Crohn’s disease diet, and which foods to avoid.
What is Crohn’s disease?
“Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract,” Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Bill Faubion explained recently in a video.
According to the NIDDK, the condition may affect any part of your digestive tract, including your mouth, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine and rectum.
What causes Crohn’s disease?
While the exact causes of Crohn’s disease are unknown, the NIDDK notes that several factors may lead to its development, including:
An autoimmune reaction caused by digestive tract bacteria
Genetics, particularly if you have a sibling or parent with the condition
A history of smoking, which may double your risk
A high-fat diet
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Crohn’s disease symptoms
Even though both men and women experience the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease — like diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss and blood in the stool — Temple Health notes that certain symptoms can show up more in one sex than the other.
Crohn’s disease symptoms in females include:
Crohn’s disease symptoms in males include:
Crohn’s disease diagnosis
“Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, but it’s mostly found in the large and small intestine,” Faubion explained.
According to NIDDK, Crohn's disease symptoms tests include looking for:
There are also lab tests used to help diagnose the condition, including:
White blood cell tests for signs of inflammation
Red blood cell tests for anemia
Stool tests to rule out other digestive problems
Your doctor may also order different endoscopies that use flexible tubes with attached cameras to explore your GI tract, such as:
Upper GI tract endoscopy to examine your esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Enteroscopy to examine your small intestine
Colonoscopy to examine your ileum, colon and rectum
More detailed Crohn’s disease symptoms tests include:
Can a specific diet help with symptoms?
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation says research suggests that certain foods and drinks may aggravate Crohn’s disease symptoms, such as:
“While it’s a normal response to restrict foods when you’re experiencing symptoms, we don’t want to normalize restriction,” registered dietician Brittany Rogers, of the National Scientific Advisory Committee for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, said recently in a video. “Focus on variety, not restriction. Current [Crohn’s disease] guidelines include increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.”
These foods include:
Leafy greens
Sweet potatoes
Potatoes
Rice
Oatmeal
Bananas
Applesauce
Raspberries
Fatty fish
Chia seeds
Flaxseed oil and meal
Crohn’s disease treatment
According to the NIDDK, Crohn’s disease therapy often includes medications and surgery, along with diet and lifestyle changes.
Crohn’s disease medication
Medications used to treat Crohn’s disease include:
Immunomodulators to reduce immune system activity
Biologics to reduce proteins made by the immune system that cause inflammation
Aminosalicylates to reduce inflammation
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and immune system activity
Loperamide for diarrhea
Acetaminophen for pain
Crohn’s disease surgery
Surgeries for Crohn’s disease include:
Small bowel resection to remove part of the small intestine
Large bowel resection to remove part of the colon
Proctocolectomy and ileostomy to remove the entire colon and rectum and attach the end of the small intestine to an opening outside the abdomen
Crohn’s disease self-care
“Although there’s no firm evidence that any particular foods cause Crohn’s disease, a food diary can help you identify personal triggers,” advised Faubion.
In addition, he noted that “it’s important to take care of your mental health, too. Find ways to manage stress, like exercise, breathing, relaxation techniques or biofeedback.”
The NIDDK says that resting your bowels periodically can also help reduce Crohn’s symptoms. Liquid nutrients recommended by your doctor can be taken for a few days or weeks to help with this.
Living with Crohn’s disease
“Learn as much as you can about Crohn’s. Staying informed can help a lot,” Faubion said.
“Your doctor can work with you to find therapies that alleviate your symptoms,” he added. “While there is no cure, once you’ve been diagnosed, treatment can help you get back to a more normal and comfortable life.”
