Crohn’s Disease, by definition, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease or IBS that develops in the small intestines and the colon. This condition itself is not deadly or fatal, but the resulting complications might be. So, can you die from Crohn’s disease? Let’s find out in this blog!
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease leads to inflammation as well as irritation in the digestive tract. Generally, this chronic condition affects the small intestine along with the beginning of your large intestine. However, from the mouth to the anus, any part of your digestive tract can suffer the consequences of this condition.
If you have Crohn’s disease, the following symptoms will occur:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Pain and cramping in the abdomen
- Blood in the stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Pain or drainage near the anus
Life Expectancy With Crohn’s Disease
People who suffer from Crohn’s disease do lead a healthy life, but some factors might affect their life expectancy. You can live a healthy life if you seek immediate treatment and manage the symptoms accordingly. The following factors might affect the life expectancy with Crohn’s disease:
- Gender
- Smoking
- Severe disease
- Organ damage resulting from prolonged inflammation
- Age at the time of diagnosis
- Medication usage
Complications Due to Crohn’s Disease
If you have Crohn’s disease, you can live a healthy life. However, some complications resulting from this condition might affect how long you live. These include:
- Bowel Obstruction: Your intestine might narrow due to inflammation and scarring, developing stricture as a result. As a result, you might experience abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. Strictures usually form in the gastrointestinal tract, but usually, they are found in the small intestine. Although it is reversible, surgical intervention might be necessary to get rid of the affected bowel segment. If not treated on time, strictures lead to many serious conditions.
- Fistulas: Abnormal passageways or connections could form between the different parts of your intestine as well as between the intestine and other organs. This leads to excruciating pain, drainage, and severe infections.
- Abscess: Abscess can form in the lungs, liver, skin, and even the wall of the intestine. These pus pockets result in fever, chills, pain, and other symptoms. You may need to undergo surgery or drainage to eliminate an abscess.
- Blood Clot: The risk of blood clots increases when you have chronic inflammation, and it could be life-threatening since the blood clots may travel to your lungs or the brain.
- Malnutrition: One of the complications that occur due to Crohn’s disease is malnutrition, which might be a result of chronic inflammation or damaged intestine linings. Hence, malabsorption of nutrients takes place, and the ability to digits food properly just reduces. As a result, you may be at risk of malnutrition and unable to obtain sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Can Crohn’s Disease Kill You?
To answer, no, Crohn’s disease will not result in death. The life-threatening complications due to Crohn’s disease, however, might be responsible for affecting the life expectancy with this chronic condition.
Takeaway
You can follow a healthy lifestyle even if you suffer from Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic condition. Nonetheless, it can cause some complications that might affect your lifespan. But with the right doctors, managing your symptoms is convenient and fruitful. Gastroenterology experts have the expertise you need to deal with such diseases, so pick up your phone and book an appointment at (281) 357 1977. You can also visit our experts at 421 School St., Suite 110, Tomball, TX 77375.