“Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 2020).” Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. Every individual diagnosed with this disease experiences symptoms differently depending on the area of the digestive tract that is affected. According to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (2020), Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease, which means an individual will experience periods of active flares followed by remission throughout their lifetime. There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease; however medications and alterations in diet and nutrition have been found to improve symptoms.

Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining crohn’s disease to children:
• “Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes parts of the intestines to get red and swollen.”
• Intestines – the part of the body that is in charge of taking the food you eat and breaking it down into smaller pieces so that your body can use it as energy
• Inflammation – red and swollen
• Immune System – the parts of your body that protect you from germs that could make you sick

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, IBS and IBD are not the same condition.

IBDIBS
• Classified as a disease
• Can cause destructive inflammation and permanent harm to the intestines.
• The disease can be seen during diagnostic imaging.
• Increased risk for colon cancer.		• Classified as a syndrome, defined as a group of symptoms.
• Does not cause inflammation; rarely requires hospitalization or surgery
• There is no sign of disease or abnormality during an exam of the colon.
• No increased risk for colon cancer or IBD.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation provides a list of the few common signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease, which include: 
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Weight loss
• Low energy and fatigue
• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting  
• Swollen and painful joints
• Vision changes
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of menstrual cycle
• Skin complications, such as bumps, sores, or rashes

Crohn’s Disease Facts from Crohnsandcolitis.com
• As many as 780,000 Americans may be affected by Crohn’s.
• Up to 20% of people with Crohn’s have a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) with IBD.
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
• Crohn’s can occur at any age but often is diagnosed between ages 15 to 35.
• Affects men and women equally.
• About 67% of people in remission will have at least 1 reoccurrence of symptoms over the next 5 years.

Resources

  1. Websites
  2. Books
    • Go Your Crohn Way: A Gutsy Guide to Living with Crohn’s Disease by Kathleen Nicholls
    • Book for Crohns: Written by the Crohn’s Community for the Crohn’s Community
    • The Crohn’s Disease Cookbook by Amanda Foote, RD
  3. Applications
    • My IBD
    • My Crohn’s and Colitis Team
    • My Symptoms Food Diary
    • Cara Care: IBS, IBD, FODMAP
    • TrackerFODMAP Helper – Diet Companion
    • GI Monitor

Would you like more information added to this description? Contact us!

References
IBS vs IBD. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ibd/ibs-vs-ibd
Leading the way for millions of patients through research, education, and support. (2020). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
What is crohn’s disease? Crohn’s and Colitis. (n.d.). https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/crohns.