Crohn’s disease is a disorder that affects the tissue of the bowel and causes inflammation and swelling within the digestive system. Different areas along the digestive tract can be impacted, the most common of which is the small intestine. This can lead to a wide array of unpleasant and debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, malnutrition, and weight loss.

While there’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, there are medical treatments and therapies available to greatly reduce the side effects and heal inflammation. Prompt treatment is key in managing symptoms and maintaining high levels of functionality.

If left untreated, Crohn’s disease can worsen and become potentially life-threatening.

Scientists have yet to come up with an explanation as to why Crohn’s develops in the human body. However, it is suspected that a malfunctioning immune system and/or certain genetic triggers may play a role in its development.

While the cause is still unknown, medical experts have determined that the following factors may affect who Crohn’s presents in:

• Age: Those suffering from Crohn’s usually begin experiencing symptoms early in life. Diagnosis usually occurs before age 30.

• Ethnicity: While Crohn’s disease can present amongst all ethnicities, it is most prevalent amongst Caucasians with especially high rates showing up in those of Eastern European Jewish descent.

• Family history: Those with a history of Crohn’s disease in their family are more likely to contract it – especially if they have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, that suffers from the condition.

• Smoking: Those who smoke cigarettes have a higher likelihood of contracting Crohn’s disease. Smoking has also been shown to aggravate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, which can lead to increased levels of pain and discomfort.

• Medications: Those who consistently take nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) have been shown to have an elevated risk of developing Crohn’s. These medications have also been shown to worsen bowel inflammation associated with Crohn’s.

There are many symptoms associated with the onset of Crohn’s. The most common are: 

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Bloody stool
• Sores in and/or around the mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the anus
• Discharge from the anus
• Inflammation (eye, skin, joints, liver, bile ducts)
• Kidney stones
• Low iron levels
• Delayed growth and/or development in children

Early diagnosis is key in managing symptoms and preventing them from worsening over time. Your healthcare provider should be contacted as soon as possible if you have experienced any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if they are severely impacting your quality of life.

When left untreated, Crohn’s disease can lead to serious and long-term complications that are potentially life-threatening. These include:

• Bowel obstructions
• Internal ulcers
• External ulcers
• Fistulas
• Severe infections
• Abscesses
• Anal fissures
• Malnutrition
• Colon cancer
• Skin disorders
• Anemia
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver disease
• Blood clots

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible. These symptoms will not resolve on their own and will likely get worse with time if left unaddressed.

For expert care that you can rely on, contact our team at Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic. Our group of dedicated medical professionals will help diagnose and treat your condition and get you back to doing what you love. Contact us today and get booked for a consultation or an appointment. A better quality of life awaits! We serve patients from The Woodlands TX, Cypress TX, Shenandoah TX, Rose Hill TX, Conroe TX, Louetta TX, Tomball TX, Magnolia TX, Montgomery TX, Cleveland TX, Houston TX, Kingwood TX, and Humble TX, Willis TX, and beyond.