Crohn’s Disease can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms for patients. Not only can it lead to debilitating pain, but it can also leave you feeling fatigued.
So, why does Crohn’s Disease cause fatigue and how can you combat it? Learn everything you need to know below…
Common Crohn’s Disease symptoms
Crohn’s Disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), causing inflammation to develop within the digestive tract. Its most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Cramps and abdominal pain
- Weight loss and a reduction in appetite
- Blood in the stools
- Sores in the mouth
Patients usually experience flare-ups, alongside periods of remission. The symptoms you experience can be mild or severe. While fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, it isn’t talked about as much as other symptoms.
Why does Crohn’s Disease Cause Fatigue?
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, and there are several reasons why it occurs.
The chemical signals that are produced when the body becomes inflamed impact the brain. This causes a lack of energy and fatigue. You may also be experiencing anaemia, which is known to cause extreme tiredness.
Due to the digestive troubles the condition causes, it can also lead to a nutritional deficiency. This in turn will cause fatigue. Other causes include issues with sleep, arthritis, and medications.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
In some Crohn’s Disease patients, mild fatigue can develop into chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a long-term problem that causes constant tiredness. However, it can also cause the following symptoms:
- Sleep troubles
- Problems with the memory and concentration
- Heart palpitations
- Joint and muscle pain
- Flu-like symptoms
There aren’t any specialist diagnostic tests that can detect chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, it is typically diagnosed by eliminating other potential causes of fatigue.
What can you do to combat it?
If you are suffering from either general fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome, there are ways to combat it. First, you’ll need to establish the cause. For example, if it turns out you have anaemia, you may need medications or adjustments to your diet.
You will also want to avoid anything that triggers a flare-up of the condition. This will help to manage inflammation, reducing tiredness. Smoking, coffee, and fatty foods are all common Crohn’s Disease triggers to avoid.
If you are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you may be given medications, or put on a strict exercise program. While regular exercise can help to prevent flare-ups and manage the symptoms, if you overdo it, you’ll feel even more tired than you do now.
Treating Crohn’s Disease
If you are experiencing constant tiredness, it is important to know if you have an underlying condition. If you are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, surgery might be your best option to resolve the problem. If left untreated, the conditions could worsen.
Contact Alan Woodward for a consultation by calling 03000 204 734and he will talk through your treatment options with you.
