Inflammation of the digestive tract, whether all or part, characterizes Crohn's disease. Often resulting in intestinal cramping, diarrhea and bloody stools, sufferers of Crohn's disease can develop serious complications requiring frequent hospitalizations in order to treat disease flare-ups. Crohn's disease mostly affects adults in their 20s to 30s, according to The Mayo Clinic.
Electrolyte Imbalance
As a result of severe diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances--most frequently a low potassium level--occur as a complication of Crohn's disease, according to Judith A. Schillig McCann in the book "Pathophysiology: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses." If these imbalances become severe, an irregular heart rhythm may result and require correction with supplements and hospitalization in order to monitor the heart rhythm until it returns to normal.
Fistulas
Crohn's disease can cause ulcers within the bowel due to chronic inflammation. These ulcers may perforate the intestinal wall and cause fistulas, or openings between organs or tracts. These openings can occur within the body between two organs or more commonly between the anus and vagina, according to The Mayo Clinic. Some fistulas, if not treated, are life-threatening.
Anal Fissure
Crohn's disease can result in a fissure, a crack in the skin around the anus or in the anus itself. Not quite a fistula, as it does not go all the way through to another organ or passage, a fissure is still quite painful, and infection may develop in the open skin. Straining during bowel movements, as a result of the bowel obstruction associated with Crohn's, may cause fissures.
Malnutrition
The inflammation of the intestinal tract and diarrhea causes malabsorption of nutrients. As food passes quickly through the inflamed and ulcerated bowel, vitamins and minerals cannot be extracted. Instead, they simply pass out of the body. Crohn's disease complications also include a thickening of the bowel wall, according to McCann. This thickening prohibits proper absorption of nutrients.
Bowel Obstruction
Thickening of the intestinal wall can eventually lead to bowel obstruction. As Crohn's disease progresses and flare-ups increase, the passages through the bowel narrow and can become blocked. Surgery to remove the affected intestinal area may prevent or correct a blockage, according to McCann.
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer
The Mayo Clinic purports that sufferers of Crohn's disease are at risk for developing colon cancer. Although the risk may remain low, it also depends on how many years the patient has had Crohn's and how much of the intestine the disease affects.
References
- "Pathophysiology: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses"; Judith A. Schilling McCann, RN, MSN; 2005
- The Mayo Clinic: Crohn's Disease Complications
- The Mayo Clinic: Crohn's Disease Risk Factors
