1. Malfunctioning Immune System
A likely factor in developing Crohn’s disease is an immune system malfunction. This could be the immune system attacking helpful microbes by mistake or an inflammatory response that somehow goes haywire and doesn’t stop.
Why a Malfunctioning Immune System Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
The immune system is the body’s defense system. When the body is invaded, such as by a virus or bacteria, the immune system response causes inflammation. Once the threat has been disabled, this inflammation normally subsides.
However, if the immune system is malfunctioning for some reason, chronic inflammation can occur, which can result in injury to the digestive system.
2. Heredity
Crohn’s disease often runs in families, making genetics a contributing risk factor.
Why Heredity Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
Scientists have identified particular genes, or gene mutations, in those with Crohn’s disease. As such, family members may inherit the genes, making them more susceptible to the disease.
3. Smoking
Cigarette smoking is a risk closely identified with developing Crohn’s disease and is perhaps one of the easiest of the risk factors to control.
Why Cigarette Smoking Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
Smoking has often been linked to numerous health conditions, and that also includes Crohn’s disease.
Why, though?
Smoking can lower the natural defenses within the intestine, interfere with natural blood flow, and also damage the immune system, causing more inflammation. Also, some studies show that smoking can affect those inherited genes that make the body more prone to Crohn’s disease.
4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
Usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may also contribute to the development of Crohn’s disease.
Why Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications Increase the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
Experts are still divided on why these medications may harm some Crohn’s patients. To play it safe, most physicians simply advise their IBD patients to steer clear of these medications all together. If someone requires an NSAID to tackle another condition, they should speak to their doctor first.
5. Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics can cause flare-ups of symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.
Why Antibiotics Increase the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
A change in the balance of bacteria in the intestine occurs when antibiotics are taken. In other words, antibiotics don’t just kill bad bacteria in the gut; good bacteria may be killed off, too.
Also, antibiotics such as penicillin, fluoroquinolones, and clindamycin can cause certain bacteria to not only grow but also infect the intestinal lining, leading to a greater risk of developing or complicating existing Crohn’s disease.
6. Oral Contraceptives
Taking oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, may lead to an increased risk of developing an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease.
Why Oral Contraceptives Increase the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
The hormones found in oral contraceptives, estrogen and progestin, tend to weaken the gastrointestinal tract, creating an ideal condition for developing Crohn’s disease.
7. High-fat Diet
A high-fat diet has been linked to many health concerns, one of which is Crohn’s disease.
Why a High Fat Diet Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
A diet high in fat can change gastrointestinal bacteria and can also cause inflammation. When fat intake is boosted, the amount of good bacteria in the digestive tract decreases while the bad type of bacteria increases, throwing off the digestive balance.
8. Age
Although Crohn’s disease can occur at any age, younger people, including children, are the most susceptible. This grouping includes adults under 30.
Why Age Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
The initial onset of Crohn’s disease typically occurs at younger ages, from approximately 15-25 years of age.
9. Ethnicity
Ethnicity is another risk factor for this condition. At highest risk are Caucasians living in northern countries, or having ancestors from those regions. Those of Jewish descent have also been identified as being at high risk for developing Crohn’s disease.
Why Ethnicity Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
Ethnicity may increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease due to family genetics. Specific regional, cultural, and religious diets may also play a role.
However, these are currently just speculations, as experts still don’t know exactly how ethnicity influences the development of this disease—just that ethnicity appears to be a risk factor for Crohn’s.
10. Geographic Location
Some experts believe that where you live can have a profound effect on your health, including influencing whether you develop Crohn’s disease or not.
Why Geographic Location Increases the Risk of Crohn’s Disease
Environmental factors in certain locations can increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. These identified geographic regions include:
- developed countries
- urban areas
- northern countries
What’s Next?
Although the exact causes of Crohn’s disease are still unknown, many risk factors can contribute to the development of the disease within the body. Just to recap, these risk factors include immune system malfunction, genetic inheritance, smoking, medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, a high fat diet, age, ethnicity, and geographic location.
What should people who are at risk for this condition know most of all?…
What to Do Next
Becoming aware of the symptoms and potential complications of Crohn’s disease is imperative to maintaining overall good health. Learning to recognize these symptoms can also help you seek relief sooner rather than later.
Seek Medical Help
If you experience continuing changes in bowel habits or experience the following, it’s time to seek medical help:
- severe abdominal pain
- blood in stool
- ongoing diarrhea that hasn’t responded to over-the-counter medicines
- fever lasting for more than a few days
- sudden, unexplained weight loss
While there is no current cure for Crohn’s disease, there are treatments available to help relieve its symptoms and potentially push it into remission.
