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Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes recurrent flare-ups with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. The disease most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine but can impact the entire gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis is established through blood tests, stool tests, and imaging studies, and treatments focus on reducing inflammation and improving quality of life.

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Contents

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Crohn's disease often occurs in episodes, with periods of symptom-free remission followed by periods of active symptoms.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

  • Diarrhea: Persistent, often with blood or mucus.
  • Abdominal pain: Usually occurs after eating and can be intense.
  • Fever: Particularly common during active disease flares.
  • Weight loss: Due to poor nutrient absorption and loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue: Common as the body struggles with chronic inflammation.

Crohn's disease may also cause inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, and eyes.

Causes of Crohn's Disease

The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but research has identified several contributing factors:

  • Genetics: Crohn's disease is more common in people with close relatives who have IBD.
  • Immune System: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the intestinal tissue, causing inflammation.
  • Environmental Factors: Smoking, diet, and stress can influence the course of the disease.

What Happens in the Body?

In Crohn's disease, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed and may develop ulcers. The inflammation often penetrates deep into the intestinal wall, potentially leading to strictures (narrowing of the intestine) and an increased risk of bowel obstruction. A damaged intestinal lining can also reduce nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss, anemia (iron deficiency), and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Who is Affected by Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease can affect individuals of all ages, but most people are diagnosed between 15 and 35 years old. It is slightly more common in women, and smokers are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease

Diagnosis is made through examination of the intestinal lining using a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) are taken for microscopic examination. Blood and stool tests can help identify inflammation and measure levels of specific markers associated with intestinal inflammation.

  • Blood Tests: Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate inflammation. A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal anemia and signs of infection, often accompanied by deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12 common during active disease.
  • Stool Tests: Fecal calprotectin is a stool test that specifically measures intestinal inflammation and helps differentiate between inflammatory and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Imaging Tests: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to visually examine inflammation and possible complications in the gastrointestinal tract. These methods provide a detailed view of the intestines and help assess the extent and severity of the disease.

Combining these tests allows doctors to gain a clear understanding of inflammation, intestinal health, and possible complications to initiate appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms. Common treatments include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids and other medications reduce inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressive drugs: Help to slow down the immune system's attack on the intestines.
  • Biologic therapies: Specialized drugs that neutralize substances driving inflammation.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the intestines or treat strictures. Medical therapy often continues after surgery to prevent future flare-ups.

Lifestyle Tips for Living with Crohn's Disease

Living with Crohn's disease involves managing symptoms and avoiding flares as much as possible. Here are some tips:

  • Diet: Choose easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods and avoid foods that worsen symptoms.
  • Stress Management: Stress can worsen inflammation, so practices like yoga and meditation may help.
  • Small, regular meals: Helps digestion and reduces strain on the intestines.

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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Measures your iron value and your iron depot.
  • Analysis of iron and ferritin.
  • Analysis of your blood status is included.
  • The test identifies any iron deficiency.

379 kr

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