Crohn’s disease is one of the many results of chronic inflammation. It is a serious inflammatory bowel disease that is on the rise, especially among young people.
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The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are classified into three categories: gastrointestinal, systemic, and extraintestinal.
Gastrointestinal symptoms:
· Diarrhea
· Abdominal pain
· Weight loss
· Cramping
· Loose bowel movements
· Bloating
· Flatulence
· Blood in stool
· Intestinal blockage
· Dehydration
· Painful defecation
Systemic symptoms:
• Growth Failure (in children)
• Fever
• Abscess
• Carbohydrate malabsorption
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
Extraintestinal symptoms:
1. Inflammation of the eye
2. Arthritis
3. Pulmonary embolism
4. Clubbing
5. Osteoporosis
6. Seizures
7. Stroke
8. Myopathy
9. Peripheral neuropathy
10. Headache
11. Depression
Causes and Risk Factors of Crohn’s Disease
The cause of Crohn’s disease remains unknown, but there have been many theories expounded to explain its cause. Speculation revolves around these factors:
Weak immunity – Researchers and health experts suggest that Crohn’s disease can be the result of certain viruses and bacteria. The presence of these pathogens in the GI tract triggers the body’s defense mechanism, resulting in inflammation which may lead to several inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s. Others suggest that the disease may also be the result of an abnormal response of the immune system in which it battles naturally-occurring bacteria in the intestines.
Genetics – Several studies show that Crohn’s can be acquired through genetic and hereditary predisposition. People whose parents or siblings have Crohn’s disease are at high risk for developing the condition.
Smoking – Cigarette smoke can increase the risk of flare-ups, which is a common symptom of several inflammation bowel diseases, including Crohn’s.
Ethnicity – Jewish people of Eastern and Central European ancestry have been f