How does Crohn’s disease affect bowel movements. What are the main causes of constipation in Crohn’s patients. Which treatments can alleviate Crohn’s-related constipation. How can diet modifications help manage constipation in Crohn’s disease.

Understanding Constipation in Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is commonly associated with diarrhea, but constipation can also occur in some patients. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, straining to pass stool, or being unable to completely empty the bowels. While not as prevalent as diarrhea, constipation in Crohn’s disease can be a sign of underlying issues that require attention.

Approximately 52 million Americans, or 16% of the population, suffer from constipation according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). For individuals with Crohn’s disease, constipation may indicate a more serious problem, such as an intestinal blockage. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify the root cause and determine if there’s evidence of active disease or inflammation.

Common Causes of Constipation in Crohn’s Disease

Several factors can contribute to constipation in people with Crohn’s disease. Understanding these causes is essential for effective management and treatment.

Intestinal Strictures

Strictures are narrowed areas in the gastrointestinal tract, typically occurring in the small intestine. They can cause abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and block food from passing through the digestive system. Anal strictures are often the primary cause of constipation in Crohn’s patients.

Do strictures always require surgery? Not necessarily. While some cases may be managed with medications, others might require surgical intervention to remove the affected portion of the bowel. Surgical options include small bowel resection and strictureplasty, a less invasive alternative that widens the narrowed area without removing intestinal tissue.

Proctitis and Its Impact on Bowel Movements

Proctitis, an inflammation of the rectal lining, is common among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes tenesmus, a frequent urge to have a bowel movement even when the bowels are empty. This condition can lead to a feeling of fullness in the rectum and pain during bowel movements.

How is proctitis treated in Crohn’s disease? Doctors may prescribe various medications to manage proctitis, including mesalamine (5-ASA), steroids, biologics, or anti-inflammatory topical treatments such as aminosalicylates. Keeping the disease under control and adhering to prescribed medications can help prevent inflammation from worsening and causing tenesmus.

Anal Fissures and Their Role in Constipation

Anal fissures are cuts or tears in the anus that can cause itching, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. The pain associated with fissures often leads people to delay going to the bathroom, resulting in harder stools that are more difficult to pass.

What are the treatment options for anal fissures? Most cases can be managed with daily warm sitz baths to clean the affected area and topical treatments like hydrocortisone. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Medication-Induced Constipation

Certain medications commonly prescribed to Crohn’s patients can cause constipation as a side effect. These include antidepressants, painkillers, iron supplements, and calcium channel blockers used for hypertension and heart disease.

If reducing or stopping the medication isn’t feasible, what can be done to alleviate constipation? Increasing water and dietary fiber intake, using stool softeners, or trying stimulant laxatives may help manage medication-induced constipation.

Dietary Approaches to Managing Constipation in Crohn’s Disease

Nutrition plays a vital role in controlling IBD symptoms, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. However, food choices can be more complicated for people with Crohn’s, as certain foods may exacerbate symptoms.

Increasing Fiber Intake

Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements. However, people with Crohn’s disease may need to be cautious about the type and amount of fiber they consume.

Which types of fiber are best for Crohn’s patients with constipation? Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats, barley, and fruits, can be easier to tolerate than insoluble fiber. Gradually increasing fiber intake and staying well-hydrated can help prevent constipation without triggering other symptoms.

Hydration and Its Impact on Bowel Function

Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing constipation. Water helps soften stools and promotes regular bowel movements.

How much water should Crohn’s patients drink daily? While individual needs may vary, aiming for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day is a good starting point. Herbal teas and clear broths can also contribute to overall fluid intake.

Probiotic-Rich Foods and Supplements

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and may help regulate bowel movements. Some studies suggest that probiotics can be beneficial for people with Crohn’s disease.

Which probiotic sources are safe for Crohn’s patients? Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can be beneficial for some individuals. However, it’s essential to introduce these foods gradually and monitor their effects. Probiotic supplements may also be an option, but should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.

Medical Treatments for Crohn’s-Related Constipation

When dietary modifications alone aren’t sufficient to manage constipation, medical interventions may be necessary.

Laxatives and Stool Softeners

Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners can provide relief from occasional constipation. However, their long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

Which types of laxatives are safe for Crohn’s patients? Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium (Metamucil) are generally considered safe for occasional use. Stimulant laxatives should be used with caution and only under medical supervision.

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback therapy can help retrain the muscles involved in bowel movements, potentially improving constipation symptoms.

How does biofeedback therapy work for constipation? This non-invasive treatment uses sensors to measure muscle activity in the pelvic floor and rectum. Patients learn to relax these muscles properly during bowel movements, which can help alleviate constipation and improve overall bowel function.

Surgical Interventions

In severe cases where strictures or other complications are causing chronic constipation, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What surgical options are available for Crohn’s-related constipation? Procedures may include strictureplasty to widen narrowed areas of the intestine, small bowel resection to remove diseased portions of the intestine, or in rare cases, temporary or permanent ostomy to bypass damaged sections of the bowel.

Lifestyle Modifications to Alleviate Constipation

In addition to dietary changes and medical treatments, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage constipation in Crohn’s disease.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity can stimulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of constipation in the general population and may be beneficial for Crohn’s patients as well.

What types of exercise are suitable for people with Crohn’s disease? Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be effective in promoting bowel regularity without putting undue stress on the body. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase activity levels as tolerated.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress can exacerbate Crohn’s symptoms, including constipation. Implementing stress-reduction strategies may help improve overall digestive function.

Which stress management techniques are most effective for Crohn’s patients? Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation have all shown promise in reducing stress and improving quality of life for individuals with Crohn’s disease. Regular practice of these techniques may help alleviate constipation and other stress-related symptoms.

Establishing a Regular Bathroom Routine

Creating a consistent bathroom schedule can help train the body to have regular bowel movements.

How can Crohn’s patients establish a healthy bathroom routine? Setting aside time each day for unhurried bathroom visits, preferably after meals when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest, can promote regularity. It’s important not to ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, as this can lead to harder stools and increased difficulty passing them.

Monitoring and Managing Constipation in Crohn’s Disease

Effective management of constipation in Crohn’s disease requires ongoing monitoring and communication with healthcare providers.

Keeping a Symptom Journal

Tracking bowel habits, diet, and other factors can help identify patterns and triggers for constipation.

What should be included in a symptom journal for Crohn’s-related constipation? Record the frequency and consistency of bowel movements, any pain or difficulty during defecation, dietary intake, medication use, and stress levels. This information can be valuable for both patients and healthcare providers in developing an effective management plan.

Regular Check-ups and Colonoscopies

Routine medical check-ups and colonoscopies are essential for monitoring disease activity and detecting any complications that may be contributing to constipation.

How often should Crohn’s patients undergo colonoscopies? The frequency of colonoscopies may vary depending on individual risk factors and disease history. Generally, guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopies every 1-3 years for patients with longstanding Crohn’s disease affecting the colon.

Adjusting Treatment Plans as Needed

As Crohn’s disease can change over time, treatment plans may need to be adjusted to address evolving symptoms, including constipation.

When should Crohn’s patients seek medical attention for constipation? If constipation persists despite dietary and lifestyle changes, or if it’s accompanied by severe pain, bloating, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They may need to adjust medications, recommend additional treatments, or investigate potential complications.

The Role of Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Some Crohn’s patients find relief from constipation and other symptoms through alternative and complementary therapies. While scientific evidence for these approaches may be limited, some individuals report benefits.

Acupuncture for Digestive Health

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has been studied for its potential benefits in managing various gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation.

Can acupuncture help with Crohn’s-related constipation? Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help regulate bowel function and reduce abdominal pain in IBD patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness specifically for Crohn’s-related constipation.

Herbal Remedies and Their Potential Benefits

Certain herbs have traditionally been used to promote digestive health and relieve constipation. However, it’s crucial to approach herbal remedies with caution, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate Crohn’s symptoms.

Which herbal remedies are commonly used for constipation in Crohn’s disease? Herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and chamomile have been used to soothe the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedies, as they may not be suitable for all patients.

Mind-Body Techniques for Digestive Health

Mind-body practices such as yoga and tai chi may help improve overall digestive function and reduce stress-related symptoms in Crohn’s disease.

How can mind-body techniques benefit Crohn’s patients with constipation? These practices can help reduce stress, improve body awareness, and promote relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, potentially easing constipation. Additionally, certain yoga poses may stimulate digestion and encourage bowel movements.

Managing constipation in Crohn’s disease requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes, incorporates dietary and lifestyle modifications, and may include medical interventions when necessary. By working closely with healthcare providers and staying attuned to their body’s needs, individuals with Crohn’s disease can develop effective strategies to maintain regular bowel function and improve their overall quality of life.

How to Manage Constipation Associated With Crohn’s Disease

People with Crohn’s disease often deal with diarrhea. Though not as common, constipation does occur and may signal an underlying problem.

A person is considered to be constipated if they:

• Have fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Have to strain to pass stool
• Are unable to completely empty their bowels

Not being able to “go” is common. About 52 million people, or nearly 16 percent of the American population, suffer from constipation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

“Anyone can develop constipation. Most often it’s because they aren’t drinking enough fluids or eating enough dietary fiber, or they’re taking certain medications,” says Justin L. Sewell, MD, a professor of clinical medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the University of California in San Francisco.

“For people with Crohn’s, constipation could mean actual blockage in the intestine,” Dr. Sewell says, “so it’s important to determine if there’s evidence of active disease or inflammation.”

Here are some possible reasons people with Crohn’s may have constipation.

Strictures

For people with Crohn’s, strictures — narrowed areas in the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the small intestine — can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and vomiting. Strictures can also block food from passing through the digestive tract. Anal strictures are typically the cause of constipation.

“If there’s a stricture in the bowels, it’s generally managed with medications or requires surgery to remove a part of the bowel that’s blocking the passage of food,” says Sewell.

In general, 23 to 45 percent of people with ulcerative colitis and up to 75 percent of people with Crohn’s disease will eventually require surgery, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. While surgery may be optional for some, others will require it because of complications of the disease.

Small bowel resection — surgery that removes diseased sections of the small intestine — is commonly used to treat strictures. A less-invasive alternative is strictureplasty, in which the surgeon makes a lengthwise incision along the narrowed area and then sews it up crosswise, widening the area without removing any portion of the small intestine, thus preserving intestine length.

The procedure is generally safe and effective, but it can cause bleeding in the bowels and fluid leakage from the stitches, and other strictures may form over time.

Even though it seems preferable to cut out a section of the bowel if the stricture is short, Sewell notes, if it’s a long stricture or the patient has already had previous resections, it puts them at risk of short bowel syndrome. “Then, perhaps, strictureplasty would be more favorable,” he says.

Proctitis

Common among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), proctitis is inflammation in the lining of the rectum that causes tenesmus, a frequent urge to go to the bathroom even when the bowels are empty. There’s generally a feeling of fullness in the rectum and pain during bowel movements.

“This is usually common among patients with ulcerative colitis, but it could occur in people with Crohn’s,” says Sewell.

The cause is rectal inflammation, so keeping an eye on the disease and staying on top of prescribed medications could help prevent inflammation from worsening and causing tenesmus.

But if the symptom does develop, doctors may prescribe mesalamine (a 5-ASA), steroids, biologics, or anti-inflammatory topical treatments, such as aminosalicylates.

Fissures

An anal fissure is a cut or tear in the anus that typically causes itching, pain, and bleeding with bowel movements.

“Since it’s painful, people will often delay going to the bathroom,” says Sewell. “The longer they wait, the harder the stool becomes, which makes it harder for the stool to pass.”

Anal fissures — not to be confused with fistulas, which are abnormal openings that form in the wall of the intestine and connect to other tissues or organs — are usually managed with daily warm sitz baths to clean the affected area and a topical treatment such as hydrocortisone. Severe cases often require surgery.

Certain medications

Medications such as antidepressants, painkillers, iron supplements, and calcium channel blockers for hypertension and heart disease can cause constipation, too.

If reducing or stopping the medication isn’t an option, Sewell recommends increasing water and dietary fiber intake or using stool softeners or stimulant laxatives.

Can Diet Help Prevent or Relieve Constipation?

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, nutrition is vital to controlling IBD symptoms. Food choices can become more complicated for people with Crohn’s, because certain foods may worsen symptoms.

A variety of diets have been used to help manage Crohn’s symptoms or maintain remission, but there is no one tried-and-true diet that works for constipation.

“Getting enough fluids, including fiber in the diet, such as soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, or taking fiber supplements could help,” says Adam Cheifetz, MD, director of the center for inflammatory bowel disease at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “An unprocessed healthy diet without a lot of additives is key,” he says.

Increasing fiber should be gradual, cautions Kelly Kennedy, RDN, Everyday Health staff nutritionist, to prevent gas and discomfort.

“Fiber is something that many people with Crohn’s disease limit, so I wouldn’t advise going from 0 to 60, but rather increasing little by little until the desired effects are achieved,” she says. And during a Crohn’s flare, patients should limit fiber intake and replace it with foods like white pasta and white rice, even though they are considered to be processed foods. When the flare is over, they can return to gradually increasing fiber intake, Kennedy says.

For people with significant strictures, a low-residue diet may be recommended. If effective it would be used for the short term, until the patient has had surgery, for example, says Dr. Cheifetz.

“The diet helps by preventing high-residue foods that are not digestible, like corn, nuts, skins of fruits, and mushrooms, from getting stuck behind a stricture leading to a small bowel obstruction,” he says. (Patients should always get an okay from their doctor first.)

The use of probiotics, also called good bacteria, is thought to be good for the gut and has been linked to positive health outcomes, according to a review published in March 2017 in the journal Nutrients. However, more research is needed. A recent study found the effects of probiotics inconclusive. While they can’t hurt, the American College of Gastroenterology does not recommend them outside of a trial. You can find probiotics in yogurt that contains live and active cultures or in supplement form.

“The main limitation at this time is that they haven’t quite figured out which strain(s) and in which amounts might be helpful for a condition such as Crohn’s disease,” Kennedy says.

“I’ve used probiotics in patients who have underlying [irritable bowel syndrome] symptoms,” Cheifetz says. “It’s been helpful, especially for those who deal with bloating.”

Avoiding foods that worsen or trigger symptoms and making sure to follow a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet are key.

“The only diet I would recommend is a general healthy diet with lots of whole foods and being sure to limit or avoid processed foods, which are low in nutritional value and fiber,” says Kennedy.

Crohn’s disease and constipation: Causes and treatments

Crohn’s disease tends to cause frequent diarrhea, but it can also cause constipation. This constipation may result from medications, other health conditions, or lifestyle factors.

Doctors consider a person to have constipation if they have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Other symptoms of constipation can include hard or dry stools, pain or difficulty passing stools, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

In this article, we discuss potential causes of constipation in people with Crohn’s disease, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

There are several possible causes of constipation in people with Crohn’s disease. These can include:

Medications

A variety of medications can cause constipation, including antidiarrheal drugs, iron supplements, calcium channel blockers, and certain pain relievers.

Low-fiber diet

Doctors sometimes recommend a low-fiber diet for people experiencing a Crohn’s flare-up.

However, reducing the intake of fiber while also taking antidiarrheal medications can lead to constipation in some individuals.

Strictures

Share on PinterestEating fresh fruit can provide essential dietary fiber, which may help prevent constipation.

Crohn’s disease can cause a section of the intestines to narrow, due to severe inflammation.

This section is called a stricture, and it can block or slow the passage of stool or digested food through the bowels, leading to constipation.

Strictures can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea and vomiting. It is important for people with symptoms of a stricture or another blockage to see a doctor.

Without treatment, a stricture can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Doctors can often treat strictures with medications, but some people may require surgery, such as a strictureplasty or bowel resection.

Other causes

Other causes of constipation in people with Crohn’s disease may include:

• not drinking enough fluids
• eating too little food
• an inactive lifestyle
• irritable bowel syndrome
• proctitis, which is an inflammation of the rectum

Treatments include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and bowel training. We discuss some of these options below:

Dietary fiber

Consuming more dietary fiber leads to more water absorption in the bowels. This makes stools softer and easier to pass.

Foods rich in fiber include:

• fresh or dried fruits, such as unpeeled apples and pears, prunes, berries, and oranges
• fresh or cooked vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and unpeeled potatoes
• legumes, such as lentils, beans, and peas
• nuts and seeds
• high-fiber breakfast cereals, which often include bran or whole grains
• whole-grain breads, pastas, and rice

Speak to a doctor or dietician before making significant dietary changes. People with strictures should not adopt high-fiber diets.

To prevent gas and bloating, it is best to gradually introduce high-fiber foods into the diet.

Fluids

Drinking more fluids can help soften stools and make them easier to pass. Fluids can include:

• water
• clear soups
• fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar
• low-sugar sports drinks
• non-caffeinated beverages

Exercise

Share on PinterestRegular exercise can help support healthy bowel movements.

Getting more exercise can help stools move through the colon more quickly and increase the frequency of bowel movements.

Experts recommend doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days, or about 150 minutes per week. This can involve activities such as cycling, swimming, and brisk walking.

It may not always be easy or possible to exercise when symptoms flare up. Other ways to increase physical activity can include:

• Taking short walks
• using the car and elevator less
• taking regular breaks from desks and computers to walk around and stretch

Laxatives

Laxatives are a short-term option for the treatment of constipation. Longer-term use of these medications can make it difficult for a person to have a bowel movement without taking a laxative.

People with Crohn’s disease should speak to a doctor before trying a laxative.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the following types of laxatives are available over the counter:

• osmotic agents, such as milk of magnesia or Miralax
• bulk-forming agents, such as Citrucel or FiberCon
• stool softeners, such as Colace or Docusate
• lubricants, such as mineral oil
• stimulants, such as Correctol or Dulcolax

Doctors generally only recommend stimulant laxatives for people with severe constipation, or if other treatments have not worked.

Prescription medications

For people with severe or difficult-to-treat constipation, a doctor may prescribe lubiprostone, linaclotide, or plecanatide.

Lubiprostone works by increasing fluid in the large intestine, which helps soften stool and lead to more frequent bowel movements.

Linaclotide and plecanatide can help restore regular bowel movements, but they may take up to 1 week to have an effect. These two medications may cause severe dehydration in some people, and children should not take them.

Doctors need to rule out any intestinal obstructions, such as from strictures, before a person starts taking these medications.

Stopping medications

If a medication is causing a person’s constipation, the doctor may recommend changing, reducing, or stopping the drug or supplement.

Bowel training

Doctors may recommend bowel training for some people with constipation.

This involves trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day. Bowel training may also include changing the way a person sits on the toilet.

Over time, this can help a person have more regular bowel movements.

Biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback therapy can help treat constipation in people who have problems with their pelvic floor muscles.

It involves using electronic devices to provide feedback on the activity of specific muscles, which allows the person to retrain them and gain better control.

Share on PinterestA person with Crohn’s disease should see a doctor if they experience a high fever.

People with Crohn’s disease should have regular check-ins with their doctor or other members of their healthcare team. Doing so allows healthcare professionals to monitor symptoms and recommend adjustments to the treatment plan.

Severe or sudden constipation, especially if it is associated with abdominal pain, may indicate a stricture or blockage in the bowels. Without treatment, blockages can lead to life-threatening complications, such as tearing in the intestine.

Symptoms of a stricture or blockage can include:

• severe abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
• nausea and vomiting
• a high fever
• severe constipation
• an inability to pass gas

Anyone with these symptoms should speak to a doctor immediately.

Although Crohn’s disease typically causes diarrhea during flare-ups, some people may also experience constipation. Causes of this constipation can include medications, strictures, lifestyle factors, and other health conditions.

Constipation treatments for people with Crohn’s disease include making dietary and lifestyle changes, taking stool softeners or laxatives, and bowel training.

Consider speaking to a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve.

Read this article in Spanish.

Crohn’s disease: diagnosis and treatment in Moscow

Causes of Crohn’s disease

Scientists are still wondering what exactly causes the disease. There are several theories according to which it may be an unexplored virus or microorganism. There are opinions that people get sick because of problems with immunity or malnutrition. It is known that genetics plays an important role in the occurrence of the disease. Almost all patients have close relatives suffering from Crohn’s disease.

For unknown reasons, ulcers and areas of overgrown connective tissue (granulomas) appear on the surface of organs. Because of this, the sizes and shapes of organs change, their work is disrupted. The most frequently recorded form of the disease with ulcerative lesions of the intestine. It is very dangerous, because the changed mucosa thickens, making it difficult for food to pass. Constant inflammation of the mucosa leads to persistent diarrhea that is difficult to treat.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Patients experience instability of the stool (alternating constipation and diarrhea), bloating and increased flatulence. An inflamed intestine causes pain that occurs in one place (localized) or spreads throughout the abdomen. Pain is not associated with eating. During exacerbations, the temperature may rise significantly, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting may occur. Sometimes there is blood in the stool.

Crohn’s disease, like all chronic pathologies, occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions (subsidence of symptoms). At this time, patients feel normal.

In addition to intestinal damage, the disease causes ulcers and nodules on the skin, inflammation of the joints and even the eyes. Due to improper digestion, the absorption of vitamins from food is disrupted, which leads to beriberi and anemia (anemia). The liver and gallbladder are often affected. Patients lose weight, complain of weakness, apathy, nausea and dry mouth. Irritation of the skin around the anus, caused by diarrhea, provokes the appearance of anal fissures and other lesions of the rectum. Patients suffering from constipation often develop hemorrhoids.

If Crohn’s disease is not treated, complications can occur:

● Life-threatening intestinal perforation;

● Fistulas through which intestinal contents and flora penetrate into other organs;

● Destruction of blood vessels leading to massive bleeding;

● Adhesive patency disorder. In this case, an operation is performed during which artificial pathways are created for the removal of food. The intestine is brought out with the formation of a stoma. The stool is removed into the colostomy bag.

People with Crohn’s disease are five times more likely to develop bowel cancer than healthy people. Those most at risk are those who have had cases of oncological pathologies of the colon or small intestine in the family.

Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is very difficult to detect, so patients are misdiagnosed and treated ineffectively for a long time. For diagnosis, a complex of laboratory, radiographic and endoscopic studies is carried out, only after that it is possible to identify the disease.

Radical methods of combating the disease do not exist. Only symptomatic and treatment and medical procedures are used that improve the condition of the intestines, prevent scarring and relieve inflammation.

Since the disease can affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, its manifestations can also vary. Treatment is selected individually, taking into account the symptoms that a particular person has.

Constipation in Crohn’s disease: treatment and recommendations

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Constipation in Crohn’s disease: treatment and advice

Crohn’s disease tends to cause frequent diarrhea, but it can also lead to constipation, which can result from medication, other illnesses, or certain lifestyle factors.

Doctors diagnose constipation when a person has fewer than three stools per week. Other symptoms may include hard or dry stools, pain or difficulty passing a bowel movement, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Constipation can be caused by the following:

1. Use of medications. Various drugs can have this side effect, including antidiarrheals, iron supplements, calcium channel blockers, sorbents (eg, activated charcoal, smecta, almagel, etc.), and certain pain relievers.
2. Low fiber diet. Doctors sometimes recommend a low-fiber diet for individuals who are at the peak of Crohn’s disease. However, reducing the intake of plant fibers, as well as taking antidiarrheal drugs, can lead to constipation in some people.
3. Strictures. Crohn’s disease can cause narrowing of the intestinal tract due to a strong inflammatory process. These wall changes, called strictures, can block or slow the passage of feces or digested food through the intestines, resulting in constipation. Strictures can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, so it’s important for people with symptoms of eating disorders to see a doctor. Without proper treatment, a stricture can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Doctors can often prescribe certain medications, but some patients require surgery.
4. Other causes may include: insufficient fluid intake, too little daily diet, inactive lifestyle, irritable bowel syndrome, proctitis (inflammation of the rectal wall. – approx. Trans.).

Treatment for this problem is complex and may include the following:
1. Eating more dietary fiber, which results in more water absorption in the intestines, making stools easier to pass. Fiber-rich foods include: fresh or dried fruits; fresh or boiled vegetables; legumes; nuts and seeds; high-fiber breakfast cereals; whole grain bread, pasta and rice.