Crohn's disease is an IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) that causes digestive problems of varying severity. It can sometimes be confused with other inflammatory conditions such as SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or irritable bowel syndrome. Because the symptoms are similar (abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, bloating and pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, etc.), it is important to get a diagnosis of Crohn's disease . What are the signs of Crohn's disease? Is it a serious illness? How can the pain be relieved? What should you eat? We'll tell you everything you need to know about this chronic disease.

What is Crohn's disease?

Definition

Discovered in 1932 by the American physician Burril B. Crohn, Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It most often affects the ileum, colon, or large intestine, but can also affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a chronic disease characterized by flare-ups interspersed with periods of asymptomatic remission.
It often appears between the ages of 15 and 30, but can occur at any age. Its onset is increasingly common in young adults, and there are currently 150,000 people with Crohn's disease in France.

Causes

The causes of Crohn's disease remain unknown to this day. However, it is not a contagious disease that is "caught." Scientists believe that several factors must be present for inflammation to develop:

• Abnormal immune system response;
• Imbalance of the intestinal microbiota with a less diverse microbial flora and a depletion of certain bacterial strains;
• Intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction ;
• Genetic predisposition , although it is not a hereditary disease;

Environmental influences, stress and an unsuitable diet.

Crohn's disease diagnosis

Ultrasound, colonoscopy, blood tests, stool analysis… Crohn’s disease requires several tests before a diagnosis can be made.
To obtain this diagnosis, you must consult a gastroenterologist who will perform a physical examination (palpation of the abdomen, examination of the anal region) and prescribe further tests, including blood work and stool analysis. Fecal calprotectin is used to measure the inflammatory state of the intestinal lining.
In addition, radiographic examinations ( ultrasound and colonoscopy ) can also be performed to directly examine the intestinal wall and the extent of the lesions.

Distinguishing Crohn's disease from other intestinal infections

Difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis , also known as hemorrhagic colitis , is one of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), along with Crohn's disease. Both are characterized by inflammation of the lining of a portion of the digestive tract, and their clinical signs are very similar. Therefore, it is common to confuse them when the first symptoms appear.
However, there is a major difference between these two diseases: ulcerative colitis is always localized to the rectum and colon , whereas Crohn's disease can affect other parts of the digestive tract (from the mouth to the anus).
When it is impossible to distinguish between these two diseases, we can also speak of “indeterminate colitis”.

Do not confuse Crohn's disease with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as functional bowel disorder, is unrelated to Crohn's disease. IBS affects the muscular contractions of the intestine, whereas Crohn's disease is characterized by intestinal inflammation.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease

What are the first symptoms of Crohn's disease?

The symptoms of Crohn's disease vary greatly and are nonspecific. This can lead to delayed diagnosis. In some people, the disease causes very few symptoms, while in others, it manifests with more frequent symptoms. Generally, the first signs are quite severe abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea.
Typical digestive symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

• Abdominal pain (spasms, burning) sometimes severe, often felt in the right part of the lower abdomen, the area of the passage between the small intestine and the large intestine.
• Severe diarrhea that can last for several weeks, sometimes accompanied by fever and blood.
• Nausea , loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss.
• Anal pain, discharge of mucus or blood from the anus.
  
  In parallel, Crohn's disease can also cause fatigue, weight loss and paleness linked to iron or vitamin B12 anemia.
  
  In some forms of Crohn's disease, non-digestive symptoms may also appear when inflammation affects other parts of the body (the eyes, for example). These include:
  
• An eye condition (uveitis);
• Dermatological problems (mouth ulcers, red and painful blisters on the legs and forearms);
• Joint rheumatism .

What happens during a “purge”?

Crohn's disease progresses in flare-ups, with symptoms ranging from moderate to severe during these flare-ups. These flare-ups can last several days or even several weeks, interspersed with periods of asymptomatic remission. The reasons for the recurrence, severity, and triggering factors of these flare-ups remain unknown. Depending on the intensity of the flare-ups, various problems can arise, such as:

• Malnutrition and deficiency linked to poor absorption of nutrients and vitamins via the intestinal wall;
• Anemia due to poor iron absorption;
• Intestinal stenoses (narrowing of the intestinal diameter);
• Intra-abdominal fistulas or abscesses;
• Anal fissures or abscesses in case of involvement of the anal canal.
  

  
  

Is there a treatment for Crohn's disease?

To date, there is no cure for Crohn's disease. However, treatments exist to relieve flare-ups, stop the excessive immune response, and prevent relapses. Prescribed medications can either treat acute symptoms during flare-ups or prolong periods of remission . Without treatment, frequent relapses and complications are common.
The main medications used to treat Crohn's disease are:

• antibiotics in case of infection;
• corticosteroids to keep the immune system under control;
• immunosuppressants to prevent continuous inflammation by modifying the activity of the immune system;
• 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid) for their anti-inflammatory action on the intestinal wall.

How to naturally relieve Crohn's disease?

In addition to conventional drug treatments, there are several ways to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Take probiotics

Probiotics are an excellent way to restore the gut flora, which is often weakened in people with Crohn's disease. They help diversify the bacteria present in the gut flora, allowing the "good" bacteria to outcompete the "bad" ones.
Probiotics can be consumed either directly through food , via fermented foods (pickles, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, fermented soy, etc.), or with dietary supplements . Our Microbiota & Skin supplement is one example. This is a natural supplement in capsule form, composed of 4 probiotic strains selected for their benefits and validated by clinical studies. It relieves digestive discomfort, soothes food intolerances, and protects the intestinal barrier.

To learn more: how to take care of your gut microbiota?

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking would significantly reduce the risk of relapse and new flare-ups.

Relaxation and acupuncture

The benefits of relaxation for intestinal pain are now well-established. As for acupuncture, this traditional Chinese healing method can also prove effective in treating the symptoms of Crohn's disease. In fact, it was one of the first treatments used.

Omega-3s

Whether taken as supplements or incorporated into the diet, omega-3 fatty acids have significant effects on the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help to alleviate intestinal pain and limit its occurrence. Omega-3s are found in oily fish, vegetable oils (rapeseed, flaxseed, hemp, etc.), and nuts and seeds.

Diet and Crohn's disease: are there any forbidden foods?

Eating a healthy and varied diet helps ease digestive discomfort. Foods to avoid with Crohn's disease vary from person to person, but it is generally recommended to limit:

• refined sugar (it feeds bad bacteria);
• gluten and lactose;
• flatulent foods (beans, cabbage, broccoli...);
• stimulants (coffee, tea, alcohol).
  Ideally, you should try the experiment by removing certain foods and see if there is any improvement.