Crohn’s disease can be gut-wrenching, literally. An inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease typically affects the small intestine the most. However, its impacts can be wide-ranging. Given that Crohn’s can inflame tissues throughout your digestive tract, symptoms may surface anywhere from your mouth, lips, and tongue to the deep areas of your bowel. Organs such as your liver and kidneys may also be affected.
If left uncontrolled, Crohn’s can be debilitating. Fortunately, the symptoms usually come on gradually, giving you plenty of time to get diagnosed and begin treatment. Many people actually live with Crohn’s, not realizing they have the disease.
But not always.
In rare and severe cases, Crohn’s can come on suddenly – seemingly out of nowhere. While there is no reason to be alarmed if you are currently asymptomatic, it’s always a good idea to understand how this can happen. Rapid onset of Crohn’s can be a major disruptor of everyday life.
Here are five signs you may have rapid onset Crohn’s disease.
1. Recent Misdiagnoses
Sometimes, figuring out health problems is like completing a puzzle. Just as some people may develop fast-growing cancers or experience other sudden, life-altering conditions, some people will develop Crohn’s quickly and without clear warning.
Were you recently diagnosed with inflammatory issues related to your intestine, stomach, liver, or kidneys? Did the prescribed treatments fail to deliver relief? Have you seen multiple specialists without success?
With a blood test and tissue sample, you may be able to narrow it down to Crohn’s. The disease will typically show markers of inflammation, as well as low levels of red blood cells and high levels of white blood cells.
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2. Genetics
Do any of your parents or siblings have the disease? Research shows that up to 20 percent of people with Crohn’s also have a family member who has it. Most people are diagnosed under the age of 30, so if you have family members who were, there’s a possibility you could be too.
Also, consider your ethnicity. While whites are the most vulnerable group, rates of Crohn’s are increasing among