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Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder of the digestive system, which causes chronic inflammation of the lining of the intestines, leading to the appearance of some symptoms such as intestinal irritation, bleeding, sensitivity to some foods, diarrhea and intestinal pain.
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can take months to years to appear and, therefore, it is a disease that is difficult to diagnose. This disease has no cure, however, its treatment aims to relieve symptoms and promote the person's quality of life, and should be done according to the guidance of the nutritionist or gastroenterologist.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can take time to appear and are usually progressive, because it is directly influenced by the degree of inflammation of the intestine. Usually the disease causes several symptoms, such as abdominal pain that worsens after meals, diarrhea and sometimes bloody stools and an urgent urge to evacuate. Tick the symptoms you have and see your chances of having this disease:
- 1. Periods of severe diarrhea with mucus or blood No Yes
- 2. Urgent desire to defecate, especially after eating No Yes
- 3. Frequent abdominal cramps No Yes
- 4. Nausea or vomiting No Yes
- 5. Loss of appetite and weight loss No Yes
- 6. Persistent low fever (between 37.5º and 38º) No Yes
- 7. Lesions in the anal area, such as hemorrhoids or fissures No Yes
- 8. Frequent tiredness or muscle pain No Yes
In addition to these symptoms, it is also common to have lesions in the anal area that can include hemorrhoids, fissures or fistulas in the anus region. The symptoms of Crohn's disease can be aggravated by the consumption of some foods such as dairy foods, spicy or difficult to digest, and may also get worse during periods of stress and worry. Here's how to identify Crohn's disease.
Possible causes
Crohn's disease has not yet fully clarified the causes, however it is believed that the disease happens due to changes in the immune system that leads to an exaggerated response of the body during an infection, for example. In addition, it is also possible that it is related to genetic, environmental factors, the person's intestinal microbiota and food.
This disease can manifest itself at any stage of life, but it is more common to appear after periods of great stress or concern. Crohn's disease can affect both men and women, and its onset can also be related to the family history of the disease.
How the treatment is done
Crohn's disease has no cure, however, treatment is done with the aim of relieving symptoms and improving the person's quality of life. Treatment should be done according to the guidance of the gastroenterologist and nutritionist and involves the use of medicines to relieve pain and stop diarrhea in times of crisis, in addition to a healthy and balanced diet.
In the most severe cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove portions of the intestine that may have been affected and damaged by the disease.
Since this disease can be made worse by eating certain foods, see what to eat in the following video: