Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease spread all over the world, especially in Western countries. In recent years, it has been noticed that it has increased in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Due to the lack of information published in Arabic about this disease, we offer you short and simplified answers and a correction of misconceptions related to it.

What is Crohn’s disease?

It is a chronic immune inflammation that affects the mucous membrane lining the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus: the end of the small intestine is the most vulnerable area of the body to this disease.

This disease may lead to fistulas (abnormal openings between the abdominal organs, especially between the skin and the small or large intestine), or it may lead to narrowing or obstruction of the small or large intestine. Crohn’s disease affects children and adults, but the incidence increases significantly in people in their twenties and Thirties.

Does this disease affect other parts of the body?

Yes, this disease may cause inflammation in the joints, eyes and skin, but it is not common and can be controlled with treatment.

What are the causes of Crohn’s disease?

The real cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, and although much research indicates genetic and hereditary factors, it is well established that there are other factors that contribute to the emergence of the disease in people who are susceptible to it.

Among these factors are the so-called environmental factors such as changing the quality of food, fast food, smoking, changing lifestyle and other unknown reasons.

What are the symptoms ?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from one patient to another, and its severity varies according to the degree of disease activity and the affected location. These symptoms include:

• Severe and frequent abdominal pain.
• Chronic diarrhea sometimes accompanied by blood and mucus.
• weight loss.
• Feeling tired and exhausted.
• High temperature.
• Joint and back pain.
• rash.
• Painful superficial ulcers in the lining of the mouth.
• Child development is delayed when infected with this disease.

Although Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease, special medications and surgical intervention can significantly improve the patient’s condition for long periods, God willing.