treatment
Do people with Crohn’s sometimes take medicine to reduce inflammation? If yes, give an example.
Yes, such as anti-inflammatory drugs
Can a healthy diet help reduce Crohn’s flare-ups?
yes
What body system is overactive in Crohn’s disease?
The immune system
Is stomach pain a common symptom of Crohn’s disease?
yes
What is one common cause of infectious diseases?
Bacteria or viruses
What type of medication calms the immune system?
Immune-suppressing medicines
Why is quitting smoking helpful?
Chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the intestinal lining, weaken the gut's protective barrier, and impair the immune system
What role does genetics play in disease?
It can make someone more susceptible
What digestive problem often happens during a flare-up?
Diarrhea
Give an example of a digestive symptom caused by disease.
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Why might a doctor recommend dietary changes?
To change the gut microbiome. The immune system attacks the gut microbiome, by changing diets, the microbiome is changed.
How can stress management help?
stress can worsen inflammation and other gastrointestinal symptoms
What lifestyle habit increases the risk of flare-ups?
Smoking
What whole-body symptom can Crohn’s cause?
Fatigue or fever
What can happen in the body if Crohn’s disease is not treated?
It can cause narrowed intestines, holes between organs, and trouble getting nutrients.
When might surgery be needed?
To removed damaged tissue and fix fistulas, abscesses, obstructions, or perforations. Or when medication doesn't work
Why avoid foods that trigger symptoms?
Because they can worsen inflammation or discomfort
How can gut bacteria imbalance contribute to Crohn’s disease?
It can trigger inflammation in the intestines
Why might Crohn’s cause weight loss?
Because inflammation affects appetite and nutrient absorption/ diarrhea
Describe the role of the immune system in Crohn’s disease and how current treatments target this mechanism.
The immune system attacks the intestines by mistake, and medicines like steroids or immune-suppressing drugs help reduce this inflammation.
How do biologic medications help?
The block specific proteins that are associated with inflammation
How can monitoring/health check ups prevent complications?
By monitoring inflammation levels, doctors can see subtle changes that indicate a flare is developing, allowing them to intervene before symptoms become severe.
Why do scientists think Crohn’s results from genes + environment?
Variants in genes can cause autoimmune response to certain environmental factors
How do extra-intestinal symptoms demonstrate that Crohn's disease impact the rest of body
Because issues like joint pain or skin problems happen when the immune system becomes overactive in other parts of the body
How can Crohn’s disease affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body?
Crohn’s can damage the small intestine, which makes it harder for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies like iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.