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What is Crohn’s Disease?

What is Crohn’s disease?


Crohn’s disease is one of the conditions of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) combined with ulcerative colitis (UC). It occurs when there is inflammation in the wall of the digestive tract. The significant difference between the two conditions is the area of inflammation; UC is limited to the large bowel, while those with Crohn’s may experience inflammation in any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Usually, the last section of the small bowel (ileum) and colon become inflamed. This inflammation can extend into the entire thickness of the bowel wall. Generally, it is characterised by periods of flare-up and remission; disease flare-ups can be very severe and debilitating.

 

Who Does Crohn’s Disease Effect?

Crohn’s can develop at any age but is more commonly seen in young people aged 15–30 and is slightly more prevalent in women than men.
While the exact cause of IBD is not well understood, it is theorised to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is often referred to as an autoimmune disease, as inflammation within the body usually occurs via an autoimmune pathway in response to a foreign substance. Environmental triggers such as viruses, bacteria, and proteins may prompt this immune reaction. Ongoing inflammation causes damage to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, causing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

 

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

  • The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease include
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood and mucus)
  • Tiredness
  • Constipation
  • Malnutrition
  • Nausea
  • Delayed or impaired growth in children

 

How Can Inertia Dietitians Help You With the Management of Crohn’s Disease?

Nutrition and dietary management of Crohn’s Disease
The small and large bowels are responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Through mechanical and chemical processes, the mouth and the stomach, through mechanical and chemical processes, initially break down food. The food then enters the small bowel, where it is further digested, and nutrients from the food are absorbed. Waste products are then pushed into the large bowel, which draws in the water, helping to create stools and eliminate the waste through the anus. The inflammation in Crohn’s disease can impair food digestion and the absorption of nutrients and water, resulting in micronutrient deficiencies and diarrhoea.


Some dietary modifications may help improve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Some suggestions include trialling a low-fibre (low residue) diet to help reduce inflammation in those with a narrowed small bowel and a low-fat diet, especially in those suffering from fat malabsorption. Some individuals have benefited from limiting the milk sugar lactose in their diet by choosing lactose-free dairy or non-dairy substitutes. In severe cases, a liquid diet may be temporarily indicated to help reduce inflammation.

In some cases, following a low-FODMAP diet can help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. An Inertia-accredited practising dietitian can provide further information on the FODMAP diet and assist you with food elimination and challenges.

Inertia Dietitians can assist with education and information for dietary supplementation when necessary – Can dietary supplements help you manage your Crohn’s?

Usually, dietary supplements are not indicated unless an individual has a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Occasionally, a vitamin B12 injection or an iron supply cement may be necessary if a fault occurs due to blood loss or poor absorption from food.
For an individual experiencing fat malabsorption, a calcium and magnesium supplement may be indicated.

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and need help managing your diet, make an appointment with an accredited dietitian at Inertia Health Group today.

 

References and useful websites:

Department of Health and Human Services 2014, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, State Government of Victoria, viewed 8 February 2018, <https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/crohns-disease-and-ulcerative-colitis>
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia 2017, About Crohn’s and Colitis, viewed 8 February 2018 <https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/about-crohns-colitis/>

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COVID-19 Update - We Are Open

Our Clinic has been classified as an essential service to the community. We assist by trying to keep people healthy as possible and out of surgeries and decrease hospital admissions. At Inertia Health Group we are working hard to keep our patients and team members as safe as possible.

Due to our strict infection control procedures we have been deemed a low risk clinic- we have all completed the government COVID -19 Infection Control Risk Course and have implemented new waiting room procedures as well as intensified our cleaning procedures completing these regularly through the day. We have also implemented a virtual health service for those who require advice or assistance and cannot attend the clinic.

We appreciate our patients doing the right thing also!

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