Key takeaway
- People with Crohn’s disease often receive a diagnosis between 15 and 35 years old, but some individuals may experience the condition for several years before receiving an official diagnosis.
- While Crohn’s disease is less common in children, those who develop it at a young age may experience more severe symptoms and potential impacts on their growth and development.
- The condition can have a genetic component, as individuals with a close relative who has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease themselves.
People may have Crohn’s disease for up to 5 years before receiving a diagnosis, or they may have a “silent” version, with no symptoms.
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that causes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. It most commonly affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine, but can occur in any part of the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain.
The condition results from a complex interaction between a person’s genes, immune system, and environmental factors that affect them.
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, most people receive a Crohn’s disease diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 35.
However, research also suggests people can receive a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease 1 to 5 years after developing it. This delay in diagnosis may be due to the variations in the natural course of the condition.
Some people may experience silent Crohn’s disease, which is a term doctors use to describe Crohn’s disease that does not cause any symptoms. These individuals may have no symptoms at all or may have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Gastroenterologists can determine whether a person has silent Crohn’s disease by testing an inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein or performing an endoscopy using a flexible tube to examine the digestive tract. Endoscopy can be performed by some surgeons and family doctors as well.
Other determinations include antibody tests such as pANCA and ASCA.
Crohn’s disease has become more common in recent years and affects approximately
A diagnosis of IBD is rare in young children. Most people receive a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in early adulthood.
Moreover, if a person develops Crohn’s disease in childhood, the condition may be more extensive and follow a more severe course than if it occurs in adulthood.
IBD may affect a child’s natural growth. One-third of children with Crohn’s disease do not reach their potential adult height. Other children may experience delayed puberty.
Crohn’s disease can run in families, and people can be more likely to develop the condition if a close relative has it.
Between 5 and 20% of people with Crohn’s disease have a biological relative with some form of IBD. This is usually a brother or sister, and sometimes, it is a parent.
Living with Crohn’s disease can have a debilitating impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramps or pain
- unexplained weight loss
- anemia
- eye redness or pain
- fatigue
- fever
- joint pain or soreness
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- flushed skin or tender bumps under the skin
- bloody stool
People will experience varying severities of Crohn’s disease. With the right treatment, a person can enter a period of remission, where they will experience fewer or no symptoms. A person with Crohn’s disease can live a full and active life.
A doctor can help a person manage their Crohn’s disease with medication, surgical treatment, or psychological support.
People with Crohn’s disease may develop complications either inside or outside the digestive tract. These include:
- a fistula, which is an ulcer extending from the intestinal wall to the skin or another organ
- a stricture, which is a narrowing of the intestine and can lead to a blockage
- an abscess that develops in the pelvis, abdomen, or anal area
- perforated bowel
- malabsorption, which can lead to malnutrition
- painful eyes, mouth, skin, or joints
- osteoporosis
- kidney stones
- rarely, liver damage
Additionally, people with IBD have a slightly higher risk of developing colon cancer, a liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis, and blood clots.
If an individual has concerns about digestive or other symptoms, they should consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
If a person’s symptoms of IBS are getting worse, they should also contact a doctor, who can order tests to help determine whether they have IBD.
Additionally, people with Crohn’s disease need to make their doctor aware of any worsening or new symptoms and seek support if their condition affects their mental health.
The life expectancy of a person with Crohn’s disease is around 78.4 years.
A person may not have symptoms of Crohn’s disease until some time later, possibly years, known as silent Crohn’s.
Most people receive a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease between the ages of 15 to 35 years.
However, some people have a silent, or asymptomatic, form of the condition, while others have it for up to 5 years before they receive a diagnosis.
People can inherit Crohn’s disease. The likelihood of developing it increases if a close relative, such as a sibling or parent, has the condition.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be debilitating, affecting a person’s mental health, well-being, and confidence. That is why people should contact a doctor, who can help them manage their symptoms and support their mental health.