Complications that can arise from Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is a painful and difficult illness in itself; However, when you also take into account the complications that may occur as a result, the full effect of Crohn’s can be overwhelming.

The most common complication that arises from Crohn ‘s, due to excessive inflammation, swelling and scar tissue, obstructions or obstacles that occur throughout the digestive tract. How to thicken the walls of the intestine, intestinal passages become significantly tighter and more easily blocked. Symptoms of obstruction typically include abdominal cramping, bloating and prompting. Vomiting is also common. Inflammation can be controlled by medications, but if the swelling is not reduced adequately enough to block pass, surgery may be required. In addition, surgery to remove the affected area of the intestine may be necessary if the obstruction occurs frequently.

Another common complication of Crohn’s sufferers is the formation of ulcers or sores inside the intestinal tract. Deep ulcers sometimes can move forward in fistulas, which can channel into tissues around the vagina, bladder or skin, or can combine different areas of the intestine. Fistulas can lead to further complications if they become infected, such as fever and abdominal pain. If they are relatively small, they can be treated with medication, but larger or more fistula severe may require surgery. Another problem that arises occasionally is the formation of abscesses, or pockets of pus, from fistulas. These areas of infection typically require drainage through a catheter or surgical drainage. Areas around the rectum are often affected by abscesses. Another complication is the development of fissures or cracks, around the lining of the anus. As A result of excessive blood loss from ulcers and sores, anemia is also common.

By insufficient dietary intake, excessive nutrient loss through vomiting and diarrhea and poor absorption of food, malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies are often a complication caused by Crohn’s disease. Although not typically detected unless the disorder occurs in extended lifetimes, these deficiencies may include lack of vitamins, proteins and calories. Fortunately, nutritional supplementation is usually effective in treating malnutrition. This can include injections of lack of nutrients or ingestion in the form of liquid or pill. Because supplements are usually in concentrated form, they are more efficient and absorbed in quantities greater than are available in the food intake alone.

An often forgotten complication of Crohn’s disease is the psychological impact that has on its sufferers. Depression, anxiety and tension are common among patients.