Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the intestinal tract. Common symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, may be managed or prevented through dietary lifestyle changes, medications, stress relief and/or surgery. If left untreated, however, Crohn's disease can lead to serious complications. To prevent complications and improve your overall well-being, develop a management plan with your doctor, aimed toward effectively managing your symptoms.
Bowel Obstruction
Crohn's disease affects the thickness of the intestinal wall. As a result, parts of the bowel may thicken, creating less room for digestive contents and waste products to flow through the digestive system appropriately. This condition, known as bowel obstruction, is a potentially serious complication of Crohn's disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery that involves removing affected portions of the bowel may be required. Common Crohn's disease symptoms, such as constipation, abdominal pain and diarrhea that worsen or persist may indicate the beginning stages of bowel obstruction. If you have Crohn's disease and experience these symptoms, seek guidance from your doctor.
Fistulas
Crohn's disease can cause fistulas--irregular connections between various parts of the intestine, the skin and intestine, or other organs and the intestine. Fistulas can cause food to bypass appropriate areas of the bowel and result in malabsorption of nutrients. Fistulas can also develop on the outside of the bowel, connecting from a body cavity to the skin. These, known as external fistulas, can cause continuous drainage of bowel contents to the skin. According to National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, anal fistulas are the most common complication of Crohn's disease. Treatment for fistulas depends on the specific type and the area most affected. If left untreated, external fistulas can become infected, resulting in a potentially life-threatening abscess. If you experience symptoms of fistulas, such as pain, inflammation or bleeding around your anus, bloody urine or stool, fever or itching, consult your doctor promptly.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition develops when your body doesn't receive or properly absorb vital nutrients. Symptoms of Crohn's disease, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, and complications like bowel obstruction, can make it difficult to eat properly, or for the digestive system to reap the nutrients it needs. Malnutrition often presents itself through fatigue, dizziness, unintentional weight loss and decreased immune system response. If left untreated, malnutrition increases the risk for infections, disease, and psychological conditions, such as depression. Without proper calcium and vitamin D absorption, the risk for reduced bone density and osteoporosis increase. If you find that Crohn's disease keeps you from eating properly, or if symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain persist, seek guidance from your doctor. In some cases, nutritional supplementation is required to compensate for lost nutrients and to improve your body's strength and healing capabilities that are needed to effectively manage the disorder.
