[News Terms] Crohn's Disease: Normal Life Possible with Treatment

'Crohn’s disease' is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can occur in any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Recently, the JTBC drama 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook' sparked controversy by inappropriately depicting Crohn’s disease as a 'bad disease' and other negative terms.

It can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, especially among young male patients. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, among the 28,720 patients who visited hospitals for Crohn’s disease (disease code K50) in 2021, males in their 20s and 30s accounted for 39.6% (11,391 patients). It is a representative intractable disease that cannot be completely cured with medication.

Singer Yoon Jong-shin appeared on a broadcast and revealed his battle with Crohn's disease.
[Photo by SBS]

If Crohn’s disease develops during the teenage years, symptoms are likely to be more severe than in patients over 40. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from patient to patient. The disease may progress slowly or rapidly, can be severe enough to require emergency surgery, or in some cases, symptoms may hardly appear. Early symptoms typically include abdominal pain, diarrhea, general fatigue, bloody stools, fever, weight loss, and anal pain. Other symptoms may include anemia, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, palpable abdominal masses, and worsening hemorrhoids.

Crohn’s disease is difficult to cure completely. Treatment aims to control inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and maintain a state of 'remission' where symptoms disappear and the disease cannot be diagnosed. Treatment involves medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and immunomodulators. Recently, the use of biologic agents has improved treatment outcomes. Surgery is required if complications such as perforation, bleeding, or intestinal obstruction occur or if symptoms do not improve with medication.

With the increase of single-person households, especially among younger generations, the rise in meat consumption and instant food intake is considered a factor contributing to the increased incidence of the disease. Crohn’s disease is not hereditary, and unless symptoms are very severe, patients can live healthily with proper management.

May 19th of every year is 'World IBD Day,' established by the European Federation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Associations. Inflammatory bowel disease affects about 5 million people worldwide and is a chronic digestive disease. However, awareness of the disease is low, and symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain are often mistaken for malingering, stress, or simple illnesses, leading many to underestimate the condition and seek medical help late.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.