How Do You Know if You Have Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining in the digestive tract and spreads into the deep layers of the contaminated bowel tissue.

Doctors believe that both heredity and the immune system are major causes of Crohn’s disease. Accutane, a medication prescribed to treat acne, has also been linked to Crohn’s disease.

The immune system can play a role in creating Crohn’s disease because the digestive tract becomes inflamed when it is trying to fight off harmful microorganisms. It is believed that some people develop Crohn’s disease because their immune systems respond abnormally to the bacteria in their intestines. Also, people with Crohn’s disease usually carry mutations in a gene called NOD2.

Although symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be mild, sometimes they can escalate without warning. Also, someone suffering from Crohn’s disease may go awhile without experiencing any symptoms or signs, then suddenly notice that the disease has been reactivated. Some signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

*Abdominal pain and cramping- Because inflammation and ulceration cause the walls of the bowel to swell and thicken with scar tissue, the normal movement through the digestive tract with provoke pain and cramping.

*Diarrhea- Because inflammation causes cells in the damaged area of the intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt, the colon cannot completely absorb the excess fluid causing diarrhea.

* Blood in stool- Food moving through the digestive tract can cause inflamed tissue to bleed, though sometimes blood in the stool is not evident.

* Ulcers- Small sores in the intestine may become larger and eventually penetrate into the intestinal walls. Also, ulcers may develop in the mouth.

* Reduced appetite and weight loss- The inflammatory reaction in the wall of the bowel, along with abdominal pain and cramping, can affect a person’s appetite and ability to digest and absorb food.

Other signs of Crohn’s disease include: fever, fatigue, arthritis, eye inflammation, skin disorders, inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, and delayed growth or sexual development in children.

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