According to Dr. Akash Chaudhary, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at CARE Hospital, Hyderabad, India, Crohn's disease is a chronic enteritis that affects the digestive tract and can cause many complications outside the digestive tract, including problems with bones, skin, joints, eyes and mental disorders. Timely management is very important to minimize complications.
Nutritional deficiencies
Inflammation and digestive damage can lead to poor absorption of important nutrients. Common shortages include:
Iron deficiency anemia: Chronic blood loss and reduced iron absorption can cause fatigue and anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Inflammation in the deterrent can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption, leading to neurological symptoms such as numbness and memory problems.
bone health complications
Crohn's disease can increase the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis due to chronic inflammation, corticosteroid use and vitamin D or calcium deficiency.
Skin condition
About 20-30% of patients with Crohn's disease experience skin problems such as:
Nose-shaped red spots: Red spots, which are painful, often appear in the legs.
Necrotizing dermatitis: Deep, uncontrolled skin ulcers.
Joint disorders
Patients may experience arthritis such as:
Peripheral arthritis: Pain in large joints such as the knees, elbows and shoulders.
Axial arthritis ( Spinal inflammation): Pain and stiffness caused by affecting the spine and joints with the pelvis.
Eye diseases
Eye diseases such as cervical meningitis, conjunctivitis, and conjunctivitis can appear and need to be treated promptly to avoid vision loss.
liver and gall disorders
Crohn's disease can cause liver and gallbladder problems.
Primary philatitis (PSC): Inflammation and scarring in the gallbladder.
Fatty liver disease: Results of inflammation and metabolic changes in the body.
Mental health
Crohn's disease can cause anxiety and depression due to the unpredictable nature of the disease, social difficulties and chronic pain. Psychological counseling and emotional support are important in managing this condition.
Cardiovascular risks
World-wide inflammation can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.
kidney stones
Patients with Crohn's disease related to the small intestine may be at high risk of kidney stones, due to poor absorption of fat and bile salts, which leads to increased oxalate levels in urine.
Management of Crohn's disease
To control Crohn's disease, patients need to:
Regular diagnosis: Blood tests, endoscopy and photography to help monitor the condition.
Adjust your nutrition: Diet and nutritional supplementation help maintain health.
Targeted therapy: New biological drugs reduce inflammation and prevent future problems.
Psychological support: Consultation and support groups help patients cope with emotional stress.
Healthy habits: Quit smoking, stay physically active, and eat healthy to help manage symptoms.
