Crohn’s disease is a special inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, in which granulomas can form anywhere in the alimentary canal. The disease is chronic, complicated by systemic damage to various organs. Severe forms are treated surgically.
The development of inflammation occurs in different parts – from the oral cavity to the anus.
The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are not clarified, but it is believed that it is affected by a combination of factors, including hereditary propensity, immune malfunctions and environmental influences.
It occurs in the 15 to 35 age group, but has also been observed in the older age group, in individuals over 60 years of age.
Causes of Crohn’s disease
The main cause of Crohn’s disease has not yet been determined. Among the causes, several main ones are distinguished:
- Genetic.
- Infectious.
- Immunologic.
The immunologic cause is the most studied. In people with Crohn’s disease, the immune system does not protect the body and reacts inadequately to infection. When bacteria, food and other substances enter the digestive tract, these substances are recognized as foreign to the body itself. When this process is expressed in the intestinal mucosa, leukocytes accumulate in large quantities, which cause chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall, eventually leading to its damage.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
To the main manifestations of pathology can be attributed the following:
- prolonged diarrhea, in some cases with streaks of blood or mucus;
- severe abdominal pain – it occurs on the right side of the lower abdomen, although the localization of pain varies depending on the area of the lesion;
- increased pain, spasms after eating;
- fever, weakness, fever;
- deterioration of appetite, weight loss;
- anemia of unclear origin;
- intestinal obstruction;
- appearance of blood in the feces;
- constant feeling of fatigue and weakness – occurs due to loss of nutrients, as well as a reaction to the inflammatory process.
Treatment of Crohn’s disease
Treatment tactics depend on the cause of Crohn’s disease. The main tasks are:
- control unpleasant symptoms;
- achieve permanent remission;
- prevent further complications
Drug therapy
Treatment of uncomplicated Crohn’s disease is carried out mainly by conservative methods.
The choice of drugs depends on the stage of the disease, the exact site of inflammation and the complications present (for example, stricture, stenosis or purulent infiltrate).
The following drugs are included in the treatment of Crohn’s disease:
- anti-inflammatory agents;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- antibiotics;
- immunomodulators;
- anti-diarrhea medications;
- biologic drugs that affect the body’s immune responses.
As a concomitant drug treatment, iron-containing preparations, vitamin complexes, means for the prevention of osteoporosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system are used.
During therapy, it is important to regularly come to the doctor for check-ups. The timing of medication is determined by the doctor, usually therapy lasts until remission is achieved. Then the doctor will prescribe supportive treatment.
Diet
Proper diet plays an important role in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Chronic inflammatory disease of the GI tract requires careful adherence to diet to minimize symptoms, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life.
Principles of nutrition in Crohn’s disease:
- Exclusion of fatty, fried, spicy dishes, as well as foods high in fiber. Low-fiber fruits and refined grain products are helpful: potato or gluten-free bread, rice, hercules. Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and sodas are not recommended.
- Choose simple and safe methods of cooking foods – boiling, steaming.
- Protein consumption. Protein is vital for tissue repair, immune function and overall health. Recommended sources of protein include skinless chicken or turkey, lean fish, chicken eggs, and firm tofu.
- Drinking regimen. Drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. This helps prevent dehydration, promotes nutrient absorption, and supports overall digestive health. Drink water slowly, but not through a straw, to avoid swallowing air and heavy gassing.
- Limit consumption of dairy products. Some Crohn’s disease patients experience lactose intolerance due to inflammation in the intestines. Limit dairy products or choose alternatives (lactose-free milk – almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and so on).
- Start a “food diary.” Record your daily meals, including snacks and drinks. Pay attention to the time of onset and severity of symptoms. If you notice a correlation, gradually eliminate foods that irritate the gut and monitor changes in your condition.
- Due to inflammation in the digestive tract, people with Crohn’s disease have trouble absorbing nutrients. Consult your doctor about taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Consume foods rich in vitamins B12, D, and iron.
Prevention
It is known that the development of Crohn’s disease is affected by lifestyle: nutrition, motor activity, bad habits. Quitting tobacco smoking will help prevent the progression of the disease and complications.
If you have not faced Crohn’s disease, it is still important to maintain the health of the GI tract – this will reduce the likelihood of pathology:
- Adhere to a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins will help maintain bowel function. Avoid excessive consumption of fried foods, fatty foods and sugar. According to studies, eating minimally processed foods reduces the likelihood of developing pathology by half.
- Engage in regular physical activity. Daily exercise helps your bowels function properly and strengthens your immune system.
- Avoid stress. Chronic stresses increase the symptoms of Crohn’s disease of the colon and provoke exacerbations.
- Give up bad habits – smoking, alcohol, drugs.
- Do not use potent medications without a doctor’s supervision.
- Do not be fond of folk remedies and alternative medicine – this will not only not solve the problem, but will also cause additional exacerbations.
