Crohn’s disease is a part of the inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) that causes inflammation, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and nutritional deficiency. While more than half a million people in the United States suffer from this disease, there is not a lot of authentic information about it on the internet.
Studies suggest that individuals with a family history of IBD or those smoking cigarettes are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease. Although there is not enough evidence to quote the actual cause of this IBD subset, the immune system and genetics may play a role.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person; some may have mild reactions, while others suffer from severe flare-ups. Although there are many posts on the disease, not many include authentic information. To make matters easy, here are five essential things you should know about Crohn’s disease.
There are Remissions and Flare-ups
For many individuals with Crohn’s disease, the condition tends to fluctuate between periods of flare-ups and remissions. During a flare-up, gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation symptoms are at their peak, causing significant discomfort and disruption. On the other hand, remission periods bring relief, allowing individuals to feel almost normal.
Common signs of a Crohn’s flare-up include:
- Abdominal pain (often intensifying after meals)
- Diarrhea
- Painful bowel movements
- Blood in the stool
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Fatigu
In addition to these gastrointestinal symptoms, Crohn’s disease also affects other parts of the body, potentially leading to joint pain, eye inflammation, and skin lesions.
Crohn’s Disease Can Affect Kidneys
One of the most common kidney-related complications in Crohn’s disease is the development of kidney stones. When Crohn’s affects the small intestine, it reduces the body’s ability to absorb fat, leading to the formation of a specific type of kidney stone known as oxalates. The risk of developing these stones is higher in individuals with multiple small bowel resections.
Treatment for kidney stones often involves increasing fluid intake and following a low-oxalate diet rich in juices and vegetables. Medical procedures such as surgical removal or endoscopy is necessary if the stones do not pass on their own.
Diet Helps in Controlling This Disease
Managing Crohn’s disease often requires a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for people with Crohn’s, certain dietary choices can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can decrease the burden on the digestive system and prevent overstimulation of the gut. Avoid trigger foods, such as dairy products, spicy foods, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods, which can aggravate symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Incorporate Low-Fiber Foods, like white rice, bananas, and cooked vegetables, during Flare-Ups. Also, take nutritional supplements like vitamin D, calcium, and B12 since Crohn’s disease can interfere with nutrient absorption.
No, Stress is Not A Factor
There’s a common misconception that stress causes Crohn’s disease, but this is not proven. However, it can aggravate the symptoms; when a person is under stress, it increases inflammation, which may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms like pain and diarrhea.
This is why managing stress is an important aspect of living with Crohn’s disease, though it is not a direct cause of the condition itself. Patients with Crohn’s disease can practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, exercise, and relaxation exercises to help reduce the impact of stress on the body.
Crohn’s Disease Can Be Controlled With Early Diagnosis
Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, early detection allows for timely intervention, which reduces the severity of symptoms, prevents complications, and improves the quality of life for those affected.
When Crohn’s disease is diagnosed early, doctors can develop a personalized treatment plan that often includes a combination of medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments for the patient. This allows them to quickly alleviate symptoms and achieve remission, where the disease becomes less active.
Alma Felix’s Journey Of Living With Crohn’s Disease
Her story proves how determination and self-esteem play a positive role in facing a chronic illness. Despite the challenges she faced in her treatment, Alma actively advocates for prioritizing one’s health and well-being in her book, “The Stress of Having Crohn’s Disease and A Colon Transplant.”
This book is a personal story and an awareness campaign for patients suffering from Crohn’s disease. In it, Alma Felix motivates readers with Crohn’s disease to research, question, and learn the ins and outs of their bodies. For many, this also involves exploring options like ostomy samples and understanding donation information, which can be a critical part of life with Crohn’s.
“The Stress of having Crohn’s Disease and A Colon Transplant” also highlights the power of faith, reminding readers to show gratitude every day, acknowledging that living with Crohn’s disease is not just a physical battle but also a mental and spiritual one.Learn more about Alma’s journey in “The Stress of having Crohn’s Disease and A Colon Transplant” now on Amazon.
