02 Sep Understanding the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and How To Manage Them
Crohn’s disease affects the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation that spreads through the intestinal wall. The condition develops when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your digestive system. Understanding the symptoms and available treatments helps you work with healthcare providers to develop an effective management plan. Here is more information about symptoms and how to treat them:
What Are the Symptoms?
Diarrhea is a typical symptom that people with Crohn’s disease experience. You might have frequent, watery bowel movements that disrupt your daily routine. Abdominal pain typically develops in the lower right area of your belly, though it varies from person to person. This pain can feel crampy and worsen after eating.
Weight loss may occur because inflammation makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients properly. Many people find themselves losing weight despite maintaining their usual eating habits. Fatigue becomes a persistent challenge as your body works overtime to fight inflammation and deal with poor nutrient absorption.
Blood in your stool may appear as bright red streaks or darker bowel movements. This bleeding occurs when inflammation damages the intestinal lining. Some people also notice mucus in their stool, which could indicate other issues.
What Medications Are Used?
Anti-inflammatory agents work by reducing inflammation throughout your digestive system. These medications target specific areas of inflammation and help maintain remission once symptoms improve. Immune system suppressants block your body’s immune response that causes inflammation. Your doctor will start with lower doses and adjust based on your response.
Biologic therapies represent newer treatment options for Crohn’s disease that target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process. They typically work well for people who don’t respond to traditional treatments. Antidiarrheal drugs provide symptom relief by slowing down bowel movements. They are designed to make daily activities more manageable, while other treatments work to control inflammation.
Does a Bowel Rest Work?
Bowel rest involves temporarily stopping all food intake and providing nutrition through IV fluids or feeding tubes. This approach gives your digestive system time to heal by eliminating the mechanical stress of digestion. During bowel rest, you receive all necessary nutrients through alternative methods. Medical professionals typically recommend bowel rest during severe flare-ups when oral medications aren’t controlling symptoms effectively.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery becomes necessary when medications fail to control symptoms or when complications develop. Intestinal blockages from scar tissue, abscesses, or fistulas might require surgical intervention. Doctors also recommend surgery when parts of the intestine become severely damaged beyond medical treatment.
One standard procedure involves removing diseased sections of the intestine and reconnecting healthy portions. Surgery procedures aren’t designed to cure Crohn’s disease. These methods may provide significant symptom relief and improves quality of life for many people.
Get Treated for Crohn’s Disease
Living with Crohn’s disease requires ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Working closely with a gastroenterologist helps you develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and symptoms. Contact our gastroenterology team today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options. We’re here to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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