Can You Die From Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. It can lead to abdominal pain diarrhea other symptoms that can seriously impact a person’s quality of life. While Crohn’s disease is not typically fatal it can lead to complications that can be life-threatening.

Complications of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease can cause several complications that can be dangerous. These include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Ulcers
• Fistulas
• Perforations
• Malnutrition
• Colorectal cancer

Bowel obstruction occurs when the bowel becomes partially or completely blocked. This can cause severe pain vomiting bloating. Ulcers can develop in the digestive tract due to inflammation which can lead to bleeding perforation or scar tissue formation. Fistulas or abnormal connections between organs can develop leading to infections abscesses. Perforations or tears in the intestinal wall may occur leading to a serious infection in the abdominal cavity. Malnutrition can occur due to the inability to properly absorb nutrients leading to weight loss weakness. Finally people with Crohn’s disease are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

While there is no cure for Crohn’s disease many treatments can help manage its symptoms reduce the risk of complications. Medications such as immunosuppressants or biologics can help reduce inflammation in the intestines. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise stress management can also help manage symptoms.

People with Crohn’s disease may also need to make changes to their diet to manage their symptoms. A low-fiber diet may help reduce inflammation abdominal pain while avoiding certain foods like dairy or spicy foods may help reduce diarrhea.

Conclusion

Although Crohn’s disease can lead to complications that can be life-threatening with proper treatment management most people with the disease can live full healthy lives. If you have Crohn’s disease or suspect you may have it it’s important to seek medical attention to get an accurate diagnosis develop a treatment plan that works for you.