The cause of inflammatory bowel diseases is still unclear. Several factors are thought to be involved in the development of the disease. One of the main causes of the inflammatory process is considered to be an abnormal immune reaction of the organism, leading to an inflammatory reaction on the mucosa of the digestive tract with its subsequent damage. This inappropriate reaction of the organism is probably genetically determined. Other factors are considered to be bacterial or viral infections and other environmental factors, especially lifestyle and mental stress.
WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES?
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
Despite intensive research, it is not yet possible to definitively determine the exact cause of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. There seems to be a certain hereditary aspect , as the incidence of the disease, varies from one human race to another, and multiple members of the same family are often affected. This, of course, does not mean that the disease is inherited automatically. In any case, other adverse factors must be present for the disease to manifest. Viral or bacterial infections, eating habits, and food additives common in developed industrialized countries, as well as immune system disorders, are considered. Today we can say that although both diseases also have a certain hereditary component, they are not considered to be hereditary diseases in the true sense of the word.
Environmental factors are considered important for the development of the disease - at least in the case of Crohn's disease - its incidence is still increasing, especially in industrialized countries. The role of psychological factors is not well understood. The most widespread opinion assumes that mental stress has a role in causing a sudden outbreak of the disease, but is not its causal factor in the disease process itself. Certainly, nothing is gained by unnecessarily self-blaming or accusing family members that they are the cause of the origin and development of the disease.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is most likely not caused by infection. Therefore, it cannot be "transmitted" from someone who has it.
SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND CROHN'S DISEASE
Authors: Prof.Dr.J. Scholmerich, Dr. P. Hoppe-Seyler, Prof. Dr. Martin Lausen
Since both diseases are the result of intestinal inflammation, their symptoms are usually quite similar. However, some differences are due to the type of inflammation, its extent, and the location of the disease.
There are also general symptoms of diseases such as malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever. The main symptoms primarily relate to digestive tract .
Irregular bowel movements - from irregular thin mucus stools, blood-filled stools, to severe diarrhea. Abdominal pain , which may be general or limited to a specific area. The pain can be convulsive or persistent. Nausea and vomiting are quite common. Intestinal bleeding is not always visible on the stool. It can often only be proven by a special examination. Because blood loss also means iron loss, bleeding can cause anemia; due to iron deficiency, the body is unable to replace blood cells.
In both diseases, symptoms can also appear in places that have nothing to do with the digestive system (extraintestinal symptoms) . Inflammation can affect the small and large joints of the lower and upper limbs, the spine, or the pelvis. This inflammatory process can cause swelling and pain that restrict movement. The skin may be affected by painful red-purple hardnesses, which most often appear on the hands and feet (erythema nodosum).
The eyes are less likely to be affected, especially inflammation of the iris and conjunctiva. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are often associated with non-specific hepatitis . In very rare cases, the bile ducts are affected, which can cause scarring and restricting the normal flow of bile. The result is jaundice or indigestion. Other rare complications include inflammation of the pericardium (heart muscle) or pancreas and venous thrombosis.
Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon. In the acute phase, it is characterized by loose stools with mucus and/or blood. The severity of diarrhea depends on the degree and extent of inflammatory activity. If the entire colon is affected, severe diarrhea is more likely. If the inflammation is limited to the rectum (proctitis), the stool may be stiffer, but there are also traces of blood. These patients may lack general symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, or fever.
Crohn's disease , which can affect the small and large intestine, can be virtually asymptomatic at an early stage. In particular, if the colon is only slightly affected, or if it is not affected at all, diarrhea will not occur. A much more typical symptom is non-specific abdominal pain , which can sometimes be confused with an irritated appendix (people's appendix). As the absorption of nutrients and other substances is damaged at a relatively early stage Crohn's disease , one of the first symptoms of the disease is significant weight loss.
Inflammation of the rectum is common in Crohn's disease and can lead to the formation of fistulas and abscesses (purulent deposits). A fistula is an abnormal connection - a channel that forms in the inflamed area and is surrounded by inflammatory cells. It can lead inwards towards the lumen of the rectum or outside - into the skin.
Fistulas can also form in other inflamed parts of the intestine and cause "short circuits" between adjacent intestinal loops as well as between the intestine and other organs such as the bladder or vagina.
If you have symptoms in the rectal area, you should be examined by a doctor. Especially if some of the other symptoms we described above are present. Additional tests will be needed to see if they have been caused by inflammatory bowel disease.
