Crohn’s disease is an ongoing episodic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It more commonly affects the small intestine and disrupts the digestion and absorption process.
Symptoms and characteristics
People with Crohn’s disease generally feel well most of the time. However, the condition tends to 'flare up' occasionally, causing considerable disruption. For example, some people with Crohn’s disease report symptoms when they are experiencing a stressful event or situation. People with Crohn's disease may show different symptoms depending on which part of the bowel is affected.
Over the long term, reduced absorption of food nutrients can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- tiredness
- vomiting
- fever.
Other complications include:
- deficiencies in proteins and vitamins
- blockage of the intestine
- skin problems
- gallstones
- inflammation of the eyes and mouth.
Statistics
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally. It can occur in all age groups, but is more often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30.
It has recently been estimated that over 36 000 people have Crohn’s disease in Australia (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House 2006).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Crohn's disease and colitis—dietary considerations, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 17 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Crohn's_and_colitis_dietary_considerations?open>.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House 2006, Crohn's disease, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, viewed 19 March 2007, <http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/index.htm>.