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Crohn’s disease – Symptoms, causes and risk factor
Crohn’s disease is the intestinal disease known as inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation of the intestine tubes. The affected intestine part includes the stomach, mouth, small intestine, large intestine, kidney, rectum, esophagus and anus. It mainly occurs in the lower portion of the small intestine. It affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a chronic disease that persist for a long time and it does not go away on their own. It occurs at any age that is between 13 to 30. It occurs both in men and women. Smokers have more risk of causing of this Crohns disease.
Types of Crohn’s disease
Depending on the part of the gastrointestinal tract, the person suffers from different types of Crohn’s disease. As we discussed above, it mainly occurs in the different parts of the small intestine. Ileum (small intestine portion) and the colon is affected by the Ileocolitis. This is the most common type of Crohn’s disease, Where as Ileitis affects only the ileum and granulomatous colitis affects the colon only. The duodenum (beginning of the small intestine) and stomach is affected by the Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease.
Causes
The main cause of Crohn’s disease is improper diet. Apart from this there are various cause that causes the Crohn’s disease. Initially, it was thought that stress and diet is the cause of this disease. But nowadays after some more research, it comes to know that heredity, malfunctioning, etc. are, the more factors that are responsible for causing this disease.
Immune system: It is possible that a virus or bacterium may cause Crohn’s disease. When the immune system tries to fight off the invading microorganism, then an unusual immune response, causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too.
From the research of some families it is found that Crohn’s is more common in people who have family members with the disease, so genes may play a role in making people more susceptible.
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal tract symptoms- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgent need to move the bowels
- Abdominal pain
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Constipation
Symptoms associated with Inflammatory bowel disease:
- Fever
- Weight Loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
Risk factors for Crohn’s disease may include:
1Age
Crohn’s disease may arise at any age, but you are probable to develop the disease when you are young. Most people diagnosed Crohn’s disease before the age of 30.
2Ethnicity
Although, Crohn’s disease may affect any racial group, but the whites and Eastern European Jewish people have the higher risk of getting Crohn’s disease.
3Family history
You may at higher risk, if you have a close relative or family member suffered with the disease.
4Smoking
Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease. Smoking leads to more severe disease and a greater risk of having surgery. If you smoke, it is important to stop.
5Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
These include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium and others. Though, they do not cause Crohn’s disease, they can lead to inflammation of the bowel that makes the Crohn’s disease worse.
6Place you live
If you reside in an urban area or in an industrialized country, you have the possibility to develop Crohn’s disease. This means, that environmental factors, a diet that includes high fat or refined foods, play a role in Crohn’s disease. People living in northern climates seem to be at bigger risk.
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By: Shaveta Kandhari
