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Last Updated: Jan 10, 2023
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Causes, Types and Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

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Dr. Bhavin VasavadaGastroenterologist • 19 Years Exp.FELLOWSHIP IN ADVANCED LIVER SURGERY AND LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, FELLOWSHIP IN HEPATOBILIARY AND LIVER TRANSPLANT SURGERY, MASTER OF SURGERY, MBBS
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One of the most severe illnesses included in the larger group of diseases, is known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease is typically a long-lasting, chronic condition. The intestine or bowel, most commonly the colon and the lower part of the small intestine, are either marked by sores or get inflamed and ulcerated. It is a common occurrence in adolescents and in young adults. 

Types : Crohn's disease is subdivided into five types, each having its own set of symptoms:

  1. Ileocolitis: The most common type, it affects the colon and the ileum and results in considerable weight loss as well as diarrhea and cramps.
  2. Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease: People who suffer from this type of disease have their stomach and duodenum affected and many experience symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
  3. Crohn's Colitis: This involves only the stomach, and can cause joint pains, rectal bleeding, skin lesions and diarrheas. 
  4. Ileitis: This type of Crohn's disease affects the ileum and the symptoms are identical to those of ileocolitis.
  5. Jejunoileitis: In this type, the jejunum gets affected and general symptoms include the formation of fistulas, diarrhea, intensive back pain as well as areas of inflammation.

Causes: Although there are many theories about what causes Crohn's disease, none of them have been proven. However, there have been a few possible causes which have been identified. These include:

  1. Immune system problems
  2. Genetic disorders
  3. Environmental factors, such as: a) Certain edibles, b) Viruses or harmful bacteria, c) Smoke.

Symptoms: The primary symptoms of Crohn's disease include the following:

  1. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common problem for people with Crohn's disease and can occur for about 10 to 20 times a day in severe cases.
  2. Blood in your stool: In rare cases, you might notice blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool.
  3. Fever and fatigue: In more intense cases, you may develop a fever. You may also feel tired or have low energy.
  4. Abdominal pain and cramping: You may experience anything from slight discomfort to severe cramping and intermittent belly pain, including nausea and vomiting.
  5. Anemia: Due to a reduction in iron level caused by bloody stools a person can turn anemic.
  6. Reduced appetite and weight loss: Abdominal pain and cramping can affect both your appetite and your ability to digest food, which leads to severe weight loss.
  7. Perianal disease: Erratic appearance of small tears in the anus are called anal fissures.
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