Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) that causes episodic symptoms. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever are just a few of the most common symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease. Patients diagnosed with this condition can have varying degrees of symptoms. No two individuals will have the same symptoms during a Crohn’s disease flare-up. For some, symptoms may be mild and fairly unnoticeable. For others, symptoms can be debilitating and lead to life-threatening situations.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. There is no cure, but it is possible to live a normal life in spite of having the condition. A patient with Crohn’s disease can go a long time without experiencing episodes or flare-ups with a physician’s help.
Here are possible causes of Crohn’s disease.
An Overactive Immune System
A Crohn’s disease flare-up usually occurs as a result of your body’s inflammatory response attacking your intestinal walls. There is really no reason for a healthy body to mount an immune response since there is no foreign invader to the digestive system. When an inflammatory response happens, it is usually caused by a trigger. The most common triggers are stress and certain foods. Treatment and management of the condition involves avoiding triggers and controlling the immune response with medication.
Smoking
People who smoke are much more likely to develop Crohn’s disease, and for those with the condition, smoking can be a trigger that leads to flare-ups. The toxic chemicals found in cigarettes are likely to cause inflammatory responses throughout your body, especially in your digestive system. As such, avoiding smoking can help reduce the frequency and severity of Crohn’s disease symptoms.
Genes
You may have a genetic predisposition to this condition because it can be passed on from parent to child.
History of Medication Use
There are some studies that show patients with Crohn’s disease have a long history of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, aspirin, or birth control pills. Taking such medications can weaken the digestive tract, making it vulnerable to conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Non-Adherence
If you are receiving treatment for Crohn’s disease, non-adherence to your doctor’s prescriptions and lifestyle management recommendations can lead to more flare-ups. Crohn’s disease currently has no cure, but proper management can do wonders to improve your quality of life. Managing Crohn’s disease requires taking medications and making lifestyle changes according to your triggers. This could include eating a restricted diet, exercising, reducing intake of certain medications, quitting smoking, and using mechanisms to cope with stress better.
Treatment for Crohn’s Disease in Austin, Texas
At Austin Gastroenterology (AG), we can restore normalcy to your life after it has been disrupted by Crohn’s disease. Our board-certified gastroenterologists are experienced in helping patients with Crohn’s disease using effective nonsurgical treatments and surgical procedures. Don’t let your condition control your life. Visit us today and see how we can help minimize Crohn’s disease’s effect on your wellbeing and lifestyle.
If you are ready to receive treatment from experts in the field, call the Austin Gastroenterology clinic nearest you or submit a request for an appointment.
