How Crohn's Affects Your Body
What Is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in your digestive tract. This inflammation can spread deep into the layers of your bowel tissue. Crohn's can be painful, debilitating, and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications. While it most commonly affects your intestines, Crohn's can impact almost any part of your body.
The Digestive System
The digestive tract is where Crohn's begins. Inflammation can occur anywhere in your gut but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) and beginning of the colon. This inflammation causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. You might also have reduced appetite and unintended weight loss.
Beyond the Gut: A Full-Body Disease
Crohn's isn't just a gut problem. Many people with Crohn's experience symptoms outside their digestive tract. Crohn's can affect your joints, skin, eyes, liver, and more. Understanding these wider effects is important for managing your overall health and getting the right treatment for all aspects of the disease.
Skin Complications
Skin problems affect some people with Crohn's. You might develop painful red lumps on your shins or arms, ulcers or sores on your skin, or deep skin ulcers. Some Crohn's medications can also cause skin reactions like rashes, acne, or increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Joint Pain and Inflammation
Joint pain affects about 25% of people with Crohn's. You might have pain and swelling in large joints like knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. Some people develop a type of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis, which mainly affects the spine. Joint problems often flare up during intestinal flares but can sometimes occur when you aren't having gut symptoms.
Eye Inflammation
About 10% of people with Crohn's develop eye problems. These include uveitis (inflammation of the middle eye), episcleritis (inflammation of the tissue covering the white of your eye), and conjunctivitis. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Let your doctor know right away if you have these eye symptoms.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth sores affect many people with Crohn's. These painful ulcers can appear on your gums, inside your cheeks, or on your tongue. Some people also have swollen lips or cracks at the corners of the mouth. Talk to your doctor about treatments for these painful conditions.
Liver and Gallbladder Complications
Crohn's can affect your liver and gallbladder. You might develop inflammation of the bile ducts, fatty liver disease, or gallstones. These conditions may cause fatigue, itchy skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or pain in your upper right abdomen. Regular liver function tests can detect problems early, when they are more easily treated.
Kidney and Urinary Tract Effects
Kidney problems can occur with Crohn's, including kidney stones and swelling. Inflammation or scarring can block urine flow. You might experience pain in your side or back, painful urination, or blood in your urine. Staying hydrated helps reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Bone Health Concerns
People with Crohn's have a higher risk of osteoporosis, or bone thinning. This can result from inflammation, steroid medications, poor nutrient absorption, or vitamin D deficiency. Weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and bone density tests are important for protecting your bone health.
Blood and Circulation Issues
Anemia is common in Crohn's due to blood loss, iron deficiency, or not being able to absorb vitamin B12 properly. You might have fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Crohn's also slightly increases your risk of blood clots in veins. Seek medical attention right away if you have sudden leg swelling or pain.
Impact on Mental Health
Living with Crohn's can take a toll on your mental well-being. Depression and anxiety are common, stemming from dealing with unpredictable symptoms, medication side effects, and lifestyle adjustments. These mental health challenges are real medical issues connected to your Crohn's and deserve proper attention and treatment.
Nutritional Challenges
Crohn's can impair your body's ability to absorb nutrients. This might lead to deficiencies in vitamins D, B12, and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Signs include fatigue, weakness, numbness, and easy bruising. You may choose to work with a dietitian and take supplements to help ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs.