The effect of Crohn's disease on the body

The article was written by MSc Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Doctor has nearly 10 years of experience in the field of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Crohn's disease is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects a person's entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Because it's an inflammatory condition, it can also lead to serious problems in other areas of the body.

Crohn's primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, the most common area of ​​disease activity involving the lower part of the small intestine (ileum). The inflammation can also affect other parts of the intestine, causing swelling and thickening of the bowel wall, and eventually, thickened scar tissue that can narrow the passage or completely obstruct the bowel. If that happens, you may need surgery to remove part of your bowel. Ulcers can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, including deep in the intestinal wall. Fistulas, or abnormal passages, can open between one part of the intestine and another, or between the intestines and the bladder, anus, vagina, or skin. This can allow bowel contents to pass through part of your intestines. It can lead to malabsorption of nutrients. Fistulas leading to the skin can allow intestinal fluid to accumulate on your skin. About 30% of people with Crohn's develop gastrointestinal perforations. Fistulas increase the risk of infection and abscess. People with Crohn's may also have anal fissures, or small tears in the lining of the anal canal. The fissures can cause cracking, bleeding, pain, and itching. Chronic diarrhea, combined with nutrient malabsorption, can lead to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Crohn's disease increases the risk of developing kidney stones, gallstones, fever, and liver disease. Outbreaks can cause sores in the mouth, which tend to go away with gastrointestinal symptoms. People with Crohn's are also at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Body and mind are inseparable and Crohn's symptoms can lead to emotional difficulties. Although the main cause of Crohn's isn't emotional, flare-ups can happen at times that are more emotionally difficult. Coping with a serious chronic illness can be difficult, so it's important to keep an eye on your stress levels and emotions.

Crohn's disease generally does not weaken bones, however, if you treat Crohn's with corticosteroids, you can increase your risk of fractures, painful swelling, and osteoporosis.

About 10 percent of people with IBD have eye problems. The most common of which is uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), which is the middle layer of the eye wall. It can cause:
Pain Light sensitivity Blurred vision Redness Symptoms usually improve when Crohn's is under control.

People with Crohn's have a slightly increased risk of developing nodules or pyoderma on the ankles, shins, or arms.
Erhthema node is when red bumps appear on the skin. Pyoderma gangrenosum is when you develop pus and deep sores on the skin. Both tend to clear up along with other symptoms of a Crohn's flare.
If you are living with Crohn's disease and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a specialist who will diagnose the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help ease your symptoms.

References:
Arthritis and joint pain. (2015, January) Crohn's disease. (2016, February 18) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: Emotional factors Q & A. (2007, October 31) Mayo Clinic staff. (2014, August 14). Crohn's disease. Complications Mayo Clinic staff. (2016, November 11). Iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms and causes Skin complications of IBD. (2012, May 1) Swanson, G., Burgess, H., & Keshavarzian, A. (2011, January). Sleep disturbances and inflammatory bowel disease: A potential trigger for disease flare? Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 7 (1), 29-36