Crohn’s Disease

Managing Different Types of Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a part of a group of serious diseases called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s causes inflammation/swelling in the digestive tract and leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.

There are five types of Crohn's disease categorized on the basis of the area affected:

• Ileocolitis
• Ileitis
• Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease
• Jejunoileitis
• Crohn’s Colitis

Let us take a deeper look at each of these conditions individually

1. Ileocolitis

This is the most common type of Crohn's and affects the end part of the small intestine and some portions of the large intestine. It persists for a long period, beginning gradually and worsening over time. The exact cause of Ileocolitis is unknown, but some of the identified factors include the following:

• Autoimmune reaction
• Family history
• Smoking
• Diet
• Certain medicines

Symptoms of Ileocolitis include

• Noticeable weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Cramps or pain in the middle or right part of the abdomen

Some of the ways to manage this condition are

• Medications that reduce inflammation
• Diet changes like avoiding carbonated drinks, reducing high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, avoiding spicy foods, and eating smaller meals.
• Bowel rest
• Surgery

2. Ileitis

 Affects the end part of the small intestine, called the ileum. Although most of the time it is associated with Crohn's disease, there are many other underlying causes of Ileitis, such as:

• Intestinal infections
• Ulcerative colitis
• Lymphoma
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Symptoms of Ileitis include:

• Considerable weight loss
• Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Formation of fistulas in the lower right section of the abdomen.

Ileitis treatment depends on the underlying cause. If it is caused by Crohn’s disease, the precautions one must take are similar to managing Crohn’s disease, and if the reason is something else, the healthcare provider will prescribe a different treatment.

3. Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease

More common among adolescents and rare that a person would suffer solely from Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease. Usually, this occurs when Crohn’s was in a different location of the gastrointestinal tract in the past.

Symptoms of Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease:

• Abdominal pain after meals
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Blood in stools

This condition can only be treated with medication or surgery. Medication is the first choice of treatment depending on age, other medical conditions, location of the disease, and complications. Surgery is performed when the person does not respond to medication.

4. Jejunoileitis

Jejunoileitis causes inflammation in the upper part of the small intestine. This type of Crohn’s is uncommon and affects children more than adults. It is a lifelong chronic condition. Symptoms of Jejunoileitis include:

• Cramps after eating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Fatigue

Treatment options for Jejunoileitis include medication and surgery. Even after surgery, this condition could return in another part of the GI system. Lifestyle changes, like eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep, are important ways to manage Crohn's disease.

5. Crohn’s (Granulomatous)Colitis:

Occurs only in the colon, also known as the large intestine, and causes inflammation in the colon lining. This is a lifelong chronic condition that presently does not have a cure. Symptoms of this condition are:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Skin lesions
• Joints Pain
• Ulcers, fistula, and abscesses around the anus
• Fatigue

Treatment options include medication and surgery. Surgical removal of the damaged parts eliminates the symptoms, but it does not guarantee that the condition will not reoccur. Positive lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, less stress, and proper sleep will help to combat some of the symptoms.

There are possibilities of overlap between these conditions, affecting more than one area of the GI tract.

Generally, an ostomy procedure is conducted by removing the damaged part and making a temporary or permanent opening in the abdomen to eliminate body waste. This waste is collected in a pouch attached to the opening with a skin barrier. There are one-piece pouches, two-piece pouches, close-ended, and open-ended. 

HPFY hosts a wide range of ostomy pouches. Some of the top sellers are:

Living with Crohn's disease is difficult because of the pain and discomfort. But it is possible to live an active lifestyle with the help of your doctor's advice and some lifestyle changes. You may even join a support group where you will find people with similar experiences and learn more about managing this condition.

 

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