Crohn's disease affects over 115,000 people in the UK alone.

Yet many don't understand what it really means for daily life.

For me, it stunted my growth and made eating a constant source of agony, leaving me with a bad relationship with food.

Understanding the facts helps you take control of your health.

Having lived with Crohn's for 16 years, I understand the importance of proper education about this condition.

What Is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy gut tissue.

Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn's can impact any part of your digestive tract from mouth to anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine and beginning of the large intestine.

There are several types of Crohn's disease based on location. Ileocolitis is the most common type, affecting the end of the small intestine and colon.

Most people are diagnosed before age 30, though it can develop at any age. I was diagnosed at 11, the day before high school started.

The condition is a really painful one and affects about six to eight million people globally.

Crohn's Disease Symptoms

The most common symptoms are persistent diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus. Abdominal pain and cramping are common, often worse after eating.

Many people experience severe fatigue, weight loss, and fever during flare-ups. Mouth ulcers and joint pain can also occur.

Secondary symptoms can affect other parts of your body. Skin rashes, eye inflammation, and kidney stones may develop due to the systemic nature of the disease.

Flare-Ups and Remissions

Symptoms come and go in cycles called flare-ups and remissions. This unpredictable pattern makes Crohn's particularly challenging to manage.

A flare-up means symptoms are active and can last days to several months. Remission periods involve few or no symptoms, but the disease remains present.

Complications

Left untreated, serious complications can develop including fistulas, strictures, and malnutrition.

Fistulas are abnormal tunnels connecting different body parts that shouldn't be connected. Strictures occur when scar tissue narrows the intestine, potentially causing dangerous blockages.

I experienced one of the most severe complications possible - bowel perforation.

On Christmas Day 2016, a severe bowel perforation forced me to make a life or death decision. Either undergo emergency surgery or risk dying.

It all worked out well in the end, but this shows how serious Crohn's can become when complications develop.

What Causes Crohn's Disease?

The exact cause remains unknown, but immune system dysfunction plays a central role.

The core of the disease is that your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy gut bacteria and tissue.

Risk Factors

Genetic factors significantly influence risk. Up to 1 in 5 people with Crohn's have a family member with the condition.

More than 200 genes have been associated with Crohn's disease, though their exact roles aren't fully understood. Having these genes doesn't guarantee you'll develop the condition.

Stress doesn't cause Crohn's but can worsen symptoms. The gut microbiome connection is increasingly recognised as important.

Smoking and a poor diet are the most important controllable risk factors and increase your risk significantly.

Getting Diagnosed

There's no single test for Crohn's disease. Your GP will arrange blood tests and stool samples first.

Blood tests check for inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and signs of anaemia. Stool samples help rule out infections that cause similar symptoms.

You'll then be referred to a gastroenterologist for specialist testing. This may include colonoscopy, endoscopy, and imaging scans like MRI.

Colonoscopy involves a thin camera examining your colon and lower small intestine. Upper endoscopy passes a camera through your mouth to view your upper digestive tract. MRI scans help visualise inflammation and complications.

Treatment Options

There's no cure for Crohn's disease, but treatments can achieve long-term remission.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biologics help reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory medications like mesalazine help reduce gut inflammation. Corticosteroids provide short-term relief during severe flare-ups but aren't suitable for long-term use.

Immunosuppressants like azathioprine reduce immune system activity. These help maintain remission but require regular monitoring for side effects.

Biologics are newer treatments targeting specific immune system proteins. Examples include adalimumab and infliximab, given by injection or infusion.

During my 16 years with Crohn's, I took up to 14 daily tablets at the worst times.

The medications helped manage symptoms, but I found they didn't always address the underlying issues.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary when medications aren't effective. Nearly half of people with Crohn's require surgery at some point, including myself.

I had 30cm of diseased intestine removed and ended up weighing just 5 stone at age 26.

Surgery might involve removing damaged intestine sections or creating a temporary stoma. While surgery can provide relief, symptoms may return in other areas.

Natural Support for Gut Health

Nutrition plays a key role in managing Crohn's disease. A healthy diet helps ensure you get essential nutrients.

Crohn's can make it harder to absorb nutrients, so working with a dietitian is important. Some people find keeping a food diary helps identify trigger foods.

Stopping smoking is the most important lifestyle change you can make. Regular exercise and stress management also help prevent flare-ups.

After my surgery, I began studying plant-based approaches to gut healing. I spent years researching different herbs and plants, eventually developing my own blends.

This research led me to create Cosmic Hue, a plant tea blend that became part of my daily routine and thousands of others.

I’m proud to say that after all the hard work, today I live medication-free and symptom-free.

Before making any changes to your lifestyle, you should always consult your healthcare provider.

Long-term Support

Local support groups and online communities provide valuable emotional support while on your gut health journey.

Crohn's and Colitis UK offers resources and connects you with others facing similar challenges. Planning ahead helps manage the unpredictable nature of Crohn's.

Many people with Crohn's pursue careers, relationships, and hobbies they're passionate about. The condition doesn't have to define your entire life.

Conclusion

Crohn's disease affects everyone differently, but you're not alone. With proper medical care and support, many people achieve long-term remission.

Understanding your symptoms, triggers, and treatment options empowers you to take control of your health.

A combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes often provides the best outcomes for managing this challenging condition.

Author: Manny is the founder of Fifth Ray and a certified Gut Health Coach. After battling Crohn's Disease for 16 years, he transformed his gut health through plant-based healing. His story has been featured on BBC, ITV, and Daily Mail.

Please note this information is for educational purposes only, not medical advice. Cosmic Hue is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.