Crohn’s disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease which can have a significant impact on a person’s health-related quality of life. There has been significant research which has suggested that the stigma of dealing with Crohn’s disease is likely to affect coping responses. The same can be said for IBS symptoms and food intolerances, as they can also affect a person’s social and work life. Some people do not have a strategy in place to help them deal with the symptoms that they experience.
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic and inflammatory bowel disease which causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. This results in recurring abdominal pain and irritable bowels. With the prevalence of Crohn’s becoming increasingly well-known worldwide. Although Crohn’s is often diagnosed in those in younger ages, research has shown that it tends to onset in individuals between the ages of 15-30 years old.
The symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease; diarrhoea, foul-smelling wind, noisy bowel actions, and faecal incontinence, are exactly the reasons why individuals may anticipate stigma, as it could result in embarrassing circumstances. Some of these symptoms are familiar with IBS and also food intolerances, so it is essential that you identify your intolerances. Research conducted on the concerns that Crohn’s Disease sufferers identify with highlighted being a burden to others and feeling dirty due to their bowels, whilst also citing a lack of information from healthcare professionals as reasons why they anticipate stigma.
Coping with your symptoms
Although the process and severity differ greatly, food intolerances and Crohn’s disease can have a similar impact on the mind and body. Causing embarrassing symptoms and sometimes distracting you from doing your work can affect your quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but similar to a food intolerance, there are treatment options that can help reduce or control your symptoms. Often, a doctor will prescribe medicine to reduce inflammation in the digestive system, usually with the use of steroid tablets. Some people are also recommended to take medicine to stop inflammation coming back.
Help to spread awareness of Crohn’s Disease Week!
