Unfortunately, there are colon diseases that not only cause unpleasant symptoms but also significantly disrupt the daily lives of patients. Among these conditions is Crohn’s disease, a chronic intestinal disorder that requires careful attention and targeted treatment.
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What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. In most cases, the inflammation is located in the terminal ileum – the last part of the small intestine. What makes the disease particularly distinctive is its ability to cause inflammation across all layers of the intestinal wall, not just the surface. Often, affected areas alternate with healthy sections, creating a pattern of “segmental” involvement of the intestine.
Crohn’s disease typically appears in young adults, between the ages of 16 and 35, although it can also occur later in life or even during childhood. It tends to affect men and women equally, and having a first-degree relative with the disease significantly increases the risk of developing it.
Causes of the disease
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unclear; however, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Some scientists suggest that the disease arises from an abnormal immune response to microorganisms that normally inhabit the intestine. Heredity, infections, smoking, and diet have also been implicated as potential contributing factors.
Symptoms caused by Crohn’s disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person and depend on the severity and location of the inflammation. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain—most often in the lower right quadrant—and persistent diarrhea. Other common symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and low-grade fever. During flare-ups, fatigue can become severe and is often worsened by anemia caused by chronic inflammation or blood loss. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, some patients exhibit extra-intestinal manifestations, such as inflammation in the joints, skin, eyes, or mouth.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease relies on a series of tests, beginning with a clinical evaluation by a gastroenterologist and including blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy (colonoscopy with biopsy), and imaging studies such as magnetic enterography. Colonoscopy is fundamental, as it allows the doctor to view the inside of the intestine and collect tissue samples for histological analysis. The disease can linger silently for weeks or even months before being diagnosed, which is why early medical consultation is crucial.
Is Crohn’s disease a chronic condition?
Yes, Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong condition. There is no definitive cure, but the disease often alternates between periods of remission—when symptoms are absent—and periods of flare-ups. Its course is unpredictable: some patients experience infrequent relapses, while others struggle with more frequent symptoms. Proper medication and close medical monitoring can greatly help in maintaining quality of life.
Management options
The primary treatment strategy for Crohn’s disease is pharmaceutical and is tailored to each individual based on the extent and severity of the condition. The goals of therapy are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent relapses. In mild cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be used, while more severe cases may require immunosuppressants or biologic agents that target the immune system. The choice of medication is made exclusively by a specialized gastroenterologist.
Indications for surgery
Surgical intervention is not the first-line treatment for Crohn’s disease, but it is often necessary when complications arise, such as abscesses, fistulas, intestinal strictures, or perforation. Some patients do not respond adequately to medication, and surgery can provide significant relief or even long-term remission. Modern techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, have greatly improved the overall patient experience, offering smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery. The General Surgeons in Athens who make up the Colon Rectal team treat the disease surgically using the most advanced techniques available.
The role of nutrition in managing the symptoms caused by Crohn’s disease
Diet is not a cause of Crohn’s disease, but it directly affects the symptoms. Patients often experience reduced appetite and malabsorption of nutrients due to inflammation, which makes a balanced diet essential. Gentle, easy-to-digest foods are recommended, such as yogurt, cooked vegetables, avocado, potatoes, lean proteins (like chicken and fish), and low-lactose dairy products or plant-based alternatives (e.g., almond milk).
Long-term effects and life expectancy
Although Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, the life expectancy of individuals with the disease is generally comparable to that of the general population—provided the condition is diagnosed early and managed consistently. Regular medical follow-up, appropriate treatment, and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle (such as quitting smoking) significantly reduce the risk of complications and greatly improve daily quality of life.
Overall, Crohn’s disease can significantly affect quality of life, but with accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and continuous monitoring, it is entirely manageable. Advances in medicine and technology—particularly in pharmaceuticals and minimally invasive surgery—now offer more management options than ever before. Most importantly, the patient must take an active role in managing their condition and remain attentive to their health.
