Crohn's disease complications: Types and when to seek help
Individuals with Crohn’s disease have an increased risk of developing health complications such as abscesses, fistulas, and intestinal obstructions. Treatment for these complications typically involves medication, surgery, or both.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Crohn’s disease can lead to complications that range from mild to severe. There is no cure for the disease, but doctors can often treat complications of the condition.
This article explores some possible complications of Crohn’s disease and discusses when someone may want to consider talking with a healthcare professional.
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal. They occur in around half of those who have had Crohn’s disease for at least 10 years, and are more common as the disease progresses.
Anal fissures may occur in people with Crohn’s disease due to frequent episodes of diarrhea or hard stools, which may cause trauma and inflammation in the tissues of the anal canal. They may also occur as a result of weakening of the anal tissue from chronic inflammation.
Treatment for anal fissures in people with Crohn’s disease may depend on the underlying causes of the lesions. Treatment options include:
Malnutrition occurs when a person does not receive enough nutrition from their diet.
The prevalence of malnutrition in people with Crohn’s disease is 65 to 75%, according to a 2021 article.
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Crohn’s disease may lead to malnutrition in the following ways:
A person may want to speak with a dietitian to help create a diet plan that balances nutrition and the challenges of eating with Crohn’s disease.
Treatment can involve adhering to a specific diet and taking supplements and vitamins. In severe instances, a doctor may administer nutrients through an intravenous tube.
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops in the body. They may grow from the intestines and connect to other organs or tissues, or extend outside of the body.
Fistulas occur in about 33% of people with Crohn’s disease, according to Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Symptoms can include:
Treatment can depend on the location and severity of the fistula. It may include medication, such as antibiotics and biologics, and surgery. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that surgical procedures for an anal fistula include:
Doctors will use other surgical procedures for fistulas that form between other parts of the body, such as the vaginal cavity to the bowel or the bladder to the bowel.
Abscesses can occur when inflammation causes damage in the digestive tract, which leads to the formation of infected, pus-filled pockets.
Treatment for abscesses in people with Crohn’s disease typically involves antibiotics to treat infection and surgical drainage.
To drain the abscess, a surgeon makes an incision into the abscess and inserts a thin tube. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation notes that the tube may remain in place for a week or more to allow the pus to drain.
Obstructions or blockages can prevent food and waste from moving through the intestines.
Inflammation from Crohn’s disease
Without treatment, an intestinal obstruction can become life-threatening.
Treatment for mild obstructions may include bowel rest and medication.
In more severe cases, a surgeon may perform a procedure, such as a strictureplasty. This involves a surgeon cutting the intestines and using a series of stitches to widen them.
Individuals with Crohn’s disease may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.
Doctors can often treat colorectal cancer, and it has a generally favorable outlook. The 5-year overall survival rate between 2015 and 2021 was
A person should speak with a doctor if symptoms of Crohn’s disease worsen or do not improve with treatment.
If an individual experiences symptoms associated with complications of Crohn’s disease, such as blood in their stool, fever, or severe abdominal pain, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Crohn’s disease can lead to several health complications, including anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and obstructions.
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but doctors can often treat the condition and any possible complications it causes. Treatment typically involves medication, surgery, or a combination of the two.
A person should speak with their doctor if they experience symptoms of Crohn’s disease complications. Without treatment, certain complications may be severe and can become life threatening.
With treatment, doctors can help reduce the risk of complications and help individuals manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.