The Effects of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease falls into a family of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your GI tract runs from your mouth all the way to your anus and the disease can affect any part, although it most commonly affects the small intestine.

Immediate Effects/Symptoms

• Crohn's disease causes swelling deep into the lining of the affected area. It also creates pain and frequent emptying of the intestines, which causes diarrhea. Additional symptoms include rectal bleeding (which can be serious), arthritis, fever, weight loss and skin problems.

Surgical Intervention

• According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, between 66 and 75 percent of Crohn's patients will, at some time, require surgery to repair complications, such as an abscess, blockage, perforation in the intestines or uncontrollable intestinal bleeding.

Effects in Children

• Children who have Crohn's disease often experience stunted growth and delayed development as a result of the disease. Nutritional supplements are often recommended for children with slow growth rates.

Long-Term Effects

• Over time, the chronic inflammation of Crohn's disease can result in ulcerations in the affected area and injury to the bowel. These injuries can create what is called a fistula (like a tunnel), which affects surrounding tissues such as the bladder or vagina. Fistulas require additional treatment and occasionally surgery.

Nutritional Effects

• Long-term sufferers of the disease may experience deficiencies in nutrition or even malnutrition due to the changes in the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Nutritional supplements can help to alleviate some of these deficiencies.