Crohn's Disease

Dietitian team specialised in dietary requirements and nutrition for Crohn's Disease
Rapid access to diagnostics tests and results.
Team of leading specialist Gastroenterology Dietitians
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Gastro & Weight Loss Clinic

Coeliac patients suffer from a disease in which the small intestine is oversensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food.

Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterised by inflammation in the digestive tract, Crohn's disease can lead to a variety of distressing symptoms and complications, significantly impacting a person's quality of life..

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation, which is not limited to the surface lining, can penetrate deep into the affected tissues. Unlike ulcerative colitis, another common IBD, Crohn's disease can affect any layer of the intestinal wall.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

The precise cause of Crohn's disease remains a subject of ongoing research, but it is believed to be a multifactorial condition influenced by various elements, including:

Genetic Factors: There is a strong genetic component to Crohn's disease. Individuals with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it. Several genes, including NOD2, have been associated with an increased risk of Crohn's.
Immune System Dysfunction: Crohn's disease is characterised by an abnormal immune response in the gut. The immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the healthy tissues in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation.
Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as smoking, diet, and exposure to infectious agents, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of Crohn's disease.
Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota: An imbalance in the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of Crohn's disease. The gut microbiota has a complex relationship with the immune system and can influence inflammation.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary widely among individuals and depend on the location and severity of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal Pain: Cramping, pain, and discomfort, often concentrated in the lower right abdomen.
Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or bloody stools.
Weight Loss: Due to poor nutrient absorption and reduced appetite.
Fatigue: As a result of inflammation and malnutrition.
Fistulas and Abscesses: Abnormal tunnels or pockets that can form within the intestines or between the intestines and other organs.
Reduced Appetite: Loss of appetite and dietary restrictions due to pain.

Treatments for Crohn's Disease

Managing Crohn's disease involves a combination of medical, dietary, and lifestyle interventions. The goal is to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and maintain or improve the patient's overall quality of life. Here are key elements of Crohn's disease management:

Medications: Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and biologics are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. The choice of medication depends on the severity of the disease and individual factors.
Nutritional Therapy: In some cases, nutritional therapy, including specialised enteral nutrition or elemental diets, may be recommended to provide the intestines with rest and promote healing.
Dietary Modifications: While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn's disease, individuals often benefit from avoiding trigger foods, managing portion sises, and staying well-hydrated.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can play a role in reducing the frequency and severity of Crohn's disease flares.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged sections of the digestive tract or to treat complications like abscesses, strictures, or fistulas.

Crohn's disease is a complex condition with a combination of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors contributing to its development. While there is currently no cure for Crohn's disease, significant progress has been made in understanding and managing the condition. Through a combination of medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes, individuals with Crohn's disease can experience improved quality of life and symptom control.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital work closely with a team of Dietitians who are specialised in dietary requirements and nutrition for Crohn's disease. They work with each patient on an individual basis. This close collaboration with healthcare providers holds out the promise of better management of this challenging condition and, potentially, providing a pathway for living a full and productive life.