According to MayoClinic.com, Crohn's disease is a lifelong disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal system. Crohn's disease can affect any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to anus, but mostly affects the small intestine and colon. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but an improperly functioning immune system may be responsible. The University of Chicago Medical Center states that Crohn's disease affects about 500,000 Americans usually in late childhood or early adulthood.
Malnutrition
MayoClinic.com reports that malnutrition may occur in patients suffering from Crohn's disease. This occurs due to recurrent diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, which are commonly seen in Crohn's, and affect the patient's ability to eat, as well as the adequate absorption of nutrients by the intestines.
Ulcers
The appearance of ulcers is often seen with Crohn's disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Crohn's disease can result in the development of small surface sores on a patient's intestine. Over time, these small sores can grow larger and can cause deep penetration into the intestinal walls. Severe ulcers can often cause bleeding that can be seen when passing stools.
Anemia
MayoClinic.com further enumerates that due to the development of ulcers, this results in increased blood loss, which can lead to the condition known as anemia. This occurs when there are reduced red blood cells in the body, which also affects oxygen, since red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.
Obstructed Bowel
Patients suffering from Crohn's disease may experience bowel obstruction. Crohn's disease causes swelling of the affected parts of the digestive tract. The thickness of the intestinal walls of the patient can be affected, resulting in the narrowing of the colon that ultimately causes bowel obstruction. MayoClinic.com, recommends surgery in the case of a completely blocked colon.
Decreased Nutrient Absorption
Sometimes with Crohn's disease, an ulcer can extend completely through the intestinal wall, creating a fistula, explains the MayoClinic.com. A fistula is an abnormal passageway from one organ to another. When internal fistulas develop in the intestines, food can avoid the affected sections of the intestine where absorption occurs. An external fistula may result in constant drainage of bowel contents to the skin, and in some cases, the fistula may become infected, a problem that can be life-threatening if not treated.
