There's no way to prevent Crohn's disease. These healthy lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups: Stop smoking. Eat a healthy, low-fat diet.
One cause of Crohn's disease may be an autoimmune reaction—when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. Experts think bacteria in your digestive tract can mistakenly trigger your immune system. This immune system response causes inflammation, leading to symptoms of Crohn's disease.
The disease can occur at any age, but Crohn's disease is most prevalent in adolescents and adults between the ages of 15 and 35. Diet and stress may aggravate Crohn's disease, but do not cause the disease. Recent research suggests hereditary, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to Crohn's disease development.
Coffee Has Its Pros and Cons
In either case, the high amount of caffeine in coffee can aggravate certain unpleasant Crohn's symptoms. But some people with Crohn's tolerate coffee in small doses, such as a morning cup. “I think it's fine for people to have their morning coffee,” Dr. Longman says.
The average life expectancy for females is 78.4 years and for males, it is 75.5 years. However, other studies suggest that Crohn's life expectancy is the same for people with the disease and without it. This mainly accounts for lifestyle modification and dietary changes.
Many individuals with small-bowel Crohn's disease have a narrowing or stricture of the lower small intestine (the ileum). For them, a low-fiber with low-residue diet can help lessen abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
To help your body digest fibrous foods during a flare, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCF) recommends avoiding the skins of fruits and vegetables; raw produce, especially cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower; and high-fiber whole grains, and opt for low-fiber fruits such as bananas and melons.
Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe. They usually develop gradually, but they sometimes come on suddenly and without warning.
Causes for Crohn's disease are not completely known. Researchers believe genetic, hereditary, and environmental components may play a part in the condition. And while stress does not cause Crohn's, past research shows it can affect IBD and Crohn's disease.
The pain that Crohn's patients feel tends to be crampy. It often appears in the lower right abdomen but can happen anywhere along the digestive tract. “It depends on where that inflammatory process is happening,” says Nana Bernasko, DNP, gastroenterology expert with the American Gastroenterological Association.
Does Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis get worse with age? Both conditions can change as you age, but not necessarily for the worse. For some people, their condition may improve over time due to a treatment plan that works for them. For others, it may worsen or stay the same.
Crohn's disease can lead to serious complications, including: Abscesses: Infected pus-filled pockets form in the digestive tract or abdomen. Anal fissures: Small tears in the anus (anal fissures) can cause pain, itching and bleeding.