About 1.4 million Americans are currently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a painful inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. Anyone can develop this disease but smokers and young adults between the ages 15 and 30 are most susceptible.
Symptoms of the disease vary per person but the most common include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Various medications, immune suppressants and diet changes can help reduce the immune’s system’s response to inflammation but roughly 70 percent of patients still end up needing surgery to repair damage or remove an obstruction.
If you are currently living with Crohn’s disease, it can be discouraging, so consider joining a support group or talk to a therapist to cope with the emotional pain as well.