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Crohn’s Disease (CD)

  • About CD

    What happens in your digestive system affected by CD?

    Crohn’s Crohn’s disease chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that leads to the development of inflammation in your digestive system. 2

    It can affect any part of the Gl tract, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the end of the small intestine where it joins the beginning of the colon. 3

    It may appear in “patches,” affecting some areas of the Gl tract while leaving other sections completely untouched. 4

    Anatomic distribution of Crohn’s disease 5

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  • Symptoms

    What are the symptoms of CD?

    Crohn’s disease can occur in various areas of the Gl tract. Disease activity and severity can vary widely over time. 16

    • Urgent need to move bowels and sensation of incomplete evacuation are other symptoms related to inflammation of the Gl tract. 6

    • Weight loss, night sweats and loss of normal menstrual cycle are general symptoms that may be associated with CD. 6

  • Treatment

    How is CD treated?

    CD is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured. 1, 6, 20
    Therefore, the main goals of medical treatment are to achieve remission(the absence of symptoms), maintain remission(prevent flare-ups of symptoms) and improve quality of life. 6 8
    Symptoms of Crohn's disease may range from mild to severe, and will vary from person to person. 1
    Treatment choice depends on the severity, stage, location of disease, and the extraintestinal complications.

  • Tips & FAQs

    Living with CD

    CD is a chronic condition that is characterized by intermittent periods of active disease(flare-ups) and little or no disease activity(remission). 1, 15
    About 50% of patients will be in remission or have mild disease over the next five years. 16, 20
    Most of people with CD take a maintenance drug to help keep symptoms in check, even when CD is quiescent. 15, 16

    A flare is the reappearance of disease symptoms. The most common symptoms of CD are: 15, 18


    • Frequent and/or urgent bowel movements
    • Diarrhea
    • Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
    • Abdominal pain

    You cannot completely prevent flare-ups of CD. But, there are several self managements that you can do to optimize your health: 17

    Take all IBD medications regularly

    The best way to control CD and reduce the risk of flares is by taking medications as recommended by your doctor.

    See your doctor regularly

    Well informed about the details of your symptoms and stay in close communication with your doctors.

    Quit smoking

    Smoking can make the symptoms of CD worse and can make it more difficult to treat.

    Eat a well-balanced diet

    Well-balanced nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy and minimizing the effects of the disease.

    Physical activity

    A regular exercise routine can improve overall health, and may be particularly beneficial for people with CD.

    A flare-up will probably not resolve by itself, and treatment will be needed. Maintenance drugs will be continued during a flare-up, and other drugs, diet modifications, or more treatment may be prescribed by your doctor to bring the disease back under control. 18

    Frequently asked Questions

    1. Can Crohn’s disease progress into cancer?16, 19

    Patients with CD do have a slightly higher risk of developing colon cancer and lymphomas. This is dependent partly on the number of years you have the disease. Your physician may recommend periodic colonoscopies for full evaluation of the colon.

    2. Will CD patients need surgery? 20

    Many individuals with Crohn's disease respond well to medical treatment and never need to undergo surgery. However, between 66 and 75 percent of people will require surgery at some point during their lives.

    3. What foods can/can't patients eat? What is a good diet plan? 20

    There is no standardized diet that will be the solution for CD patients. However, adjusting your diet can be helpful to manage some of your symptoms, and can help your medications work better.

    Tips

    Tracking your diet with daily food journal can help you identify what foods and beverages work well for you and which ones don’t. 20

    Diet and Nutrition Tips 6, 20

    Low-salt diet

    Used during corticosteroid therapy to reduce water retention

    Low-fiber diet

    Used to avoid blockages in CD patients with strictures and to avoid stimulating bowel movements

    Low-fat diet

    Typically recommended during a flare in CD when fat absorption may become an issue

    Lactose-free diet

    For those who have an intolerance to dairy products

    High-calorie diet

    For those who experience weight loss or growth delay

    Reduce the amount of greasy or fried foods

    It may cause diarrhea and gas

    Restrict carbonated beverages

    It may cause excessive gas

    Restrict caffeine

    It may cause a severe diarrhea

    Eat smaller meals at more frequent intervals