There is no cure for this inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD). But medications can reduce inflammation and help prevent flare-ups.
Some dietary changes, behavioral changes, and nutritional supplements may also help manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about a variety of treatment options.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease are diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and abdominal pain. Other common symptoms may include weight loss, mouth sores, and skin rashes.
Treatments for Crohn’s disease include medications, changes in diet and nutrition, and surgery. Drugs that quiet the immune system’s reaction, called immunomodulators, help reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, called 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, are doctors’ most common medicines for Crohn’s disease. These medicines can be taken by mouth or inserted into the rectum.
Diarrhea
One of the most typical signs of Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. The lining of your digestive tract brings it on is inflamed.
Cramping that occurs while passing stools or not, wind and distention in the belly, weakness, a moderate fever, and dehydration are other symptoms.
Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of several illnesses, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To make a diagnosis, your healthcare practitioner at Gastroenterology Of The Rockies might need to collect samples of your blood and stool.
Abdominal Pain
In addition to the belly region (below the ribs and above the pelvis), other sections of your body can also experience abdominal discomfort, a typical symptom. It is usually caused by inflammation, enlargement, or loss of blood supply to an organ.
Your doctor may suggest testing to find out the cause of your pain. It includes urine, blood, and stool tests to check for abnormalities in your digestive system or other organs.
Weight Loss
If you have Crohn’s disease, it can make it hard to stay healthy and get the nutrients your body needs. The inflammation associated with Crohn’s can cause nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite.
Your doctor will recommend treatments that help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. They can include medications, behavior changes, and surgery.
Drugs that help reduce inflammation include corticosteroids, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics. Some of these drugs can also help with the pain.
Mouth Sores
Infections, allergies, trauma to the mouth, and various systemic illnesses can cause mouth sores. They often heal independently, but you may have to see a doctor for treatment if they don’t.
The doctor will ask questions about the sores and other symptoms and perform a physical examination. It will help determine what caused them and what tests might be needed to find the cause.
Skin Rashes
In addition to the belly region (below the ribs and above the pelvis), other sections of your body can also experience abdominal discomfort, which is a typical symptom. They can cause itching and pain; some rashes are more severe than others.
Rashes have several causes, including allergens, bacteria, and fungi. Understanding the types of rashes can help you pinpoint the source and treat them effectively.
Some rashes, like eczema, respond to moisturizers and antihistamines. Steroid creams or shots can also relieve itching and inflammation.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common symptom of Crohn’s disease. It can feel like a constant ache, or it may come and go.
If you have arthritis, you can try over-the-counter pain medications and heat or cold therapy to help relieve the pain. You can discuss treatment choices with your doctor as well.
Another complication of IBD is ankylosing spondylitis, which affects your spine and lowers back joints. It is a more severe form of arthritis than axial arthritis. This condition usually begins in young people. It can seriously harm the heart valves, lungs, and eyes.
