Crohn's disease: what it is, symptoms, prevention

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory process in the organs of the digestive tract, which runs for a long time. Their manifestations are different depending on the location of the pathology. It can be the terminal ileum, colon, rectum, small intestine, esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Consider the signs of Crohn's disease and ways to prevent it.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease

Some common signs of Crohn's disease are weight loss, periods of fever up to 38-39°, and anemia. Joint problems, skin rashes, gallbladder and kidney stones may also develop. Sometimes there is vomiting, severe thirst.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease that manifest in the intestinal area:

• Diarrhea with mucus more than 5 times a day.
• Blood and pus are traced in the feces.
• Abdominal bloating and gas.
• False urges to defecate.
• Constant pain in a certain area of the abdomen, resembling contractions.
• Pain in the area of the anus and rectum during defecation.
• Intestinal obstruction due to the formation of fistulas.

With Crohn's disease, the first signs may be inflammation in the mouth - stomatitis, aphthae, increase in the size of the lips. The mucosa on the inside of the lip area in some people takes a shape that resembles the texture of stonework.

Most often in Crohn's disease, the ileum, colon and rectum are affected. The upper gastrointestinal tract, starting with the esophagus, is less frequently inflamed. However, there may be difficulty swallowing while eating and bleeding in the upper digestive system.

Prevention of Crohn's disease

Some stresses cause spasms and pathologic processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important, as far as possible, to minimize such unpleasant situations. It is desirable to get rid of a difficult emotional state as soon as possible and work on stress resistance.

You can consult a doctor about whether it is worthwhile to use breathing practices. They not only calm the nervous system. With sufficient carbon dioxide and oxygen balance, the smooth muscles of all organs, including the intestines, are relaxed.

The doctor may find it appropriate to apply visceral therapy - massage of internal organs through the abdominal wall. In this way, spasms and stagnation in the tissues are relieved. Visceral massage should be carried out by a specialist, if there are no contraindications.

How else to reduce the risk of developing Crohn's disease:

• Eat a balanced diet, do not abuse products that can negatively affect the stomach or intestines.
• Perform enough physical exercises. They help to improve blood circulation in the intestinal area.
• Monitor the state of the intestinal microflora. If necessary, use probiotics and prebiotics, which the doctor will recommend.
• Avoid bad habits, such as alcohol abuse smoking.

If there is pain in the abdominal area, there are stool irregularities, and this condition lasts for a long time or often repeats, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The earlier the disease or organ dysfunction is detected and treatment is started, the lower the risk of developing more serious pathologies.