In case you didn’t know, research indicates that so-called Crohn’s fatigue affects as many as 70 percent of people during flare-ups and 40-50 percent when in remission. However, it’s often misunderstood and oftentimes doesn’t get the attention it needs, especially in the Black population.
Studies show that many doctors have certain biases against Black patients. Sometimes, doctors (and patients too) may attribute their Crohn’s fatigue to other factors like stressing, working hard, or just things in the environment that wear them down.
If this is the case, you’ll be hard-pressed to get the proper treatment and care you need! That’s why understanding the underlying reasons for your fatigue is so important.
Let’s cover five main reasons you’re feeling wiped out, and what you can do alongside your physician to get back on your feet!
1. Inflammation of Your Digestive Tract
Chronic inflammation in ‘the gut’ or digestive tract is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease. But turns out, that this ongoing inflammation not only causes pain and discomfort, but can also make you super tired. When the tract is inflamed, the body triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines, which are important messengers in your immune system. When released, these small proteins call for inflammation, which is a response to damage.
Unfortunately, this inflammation can become systemic in your body, thereby causing fatigue. The best way to deal with fatigue due to an inflamed digestive attract, of course, is to reduce this inflammation. You can do that by talking with your doc about things like new medications, anti-inflammatory diets, useful exercises and therapies, and other full-body approaches that heal inflammation.
2. Low Levels of Iron and B12
You probably already know, but Crohn’s disease can also impair your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, things like iron and vitamin B12. The problem is, when you’re low on these nutrients in particular, you can struggle with a condition called anemia, which often leads to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
A lack of B12 specifically can also cause problems like mood swings, numbing and tingling in your hands and feet, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and a change in skin color.
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Blood tests are the best thing for early detection and treatment of these deficiencies. Your doc will probably also recommend you make changes to your diet, such as eating more red meat and poultry, getting more vitamin C, and avoiding too much coffee which can interfere with iron absorption. Oral supplements, and sometimes even intravenous (and intramuscular) infusions can help you get back to feeling right again.
3. Lack of Red Blood Cells
We just spoke briefly of anemia, but it’s worth reiterating, cuz it’s a common complication of Crohn’s disease. In a nutshell, it occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. As a result, you can experience significant impairments in your daily functioning.
As previously mentioned, treatment options for anemia may include supplements, blood transfusions, and medications that stimulate the production of more red blood cells. As always, check in with your docs about anything else you should be doing to feel strong again!
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4. Poor Sleep Quality
We all wanna get good sleep, but it can be hard these days, especially with everything going on in the world and our daily lives. For sufferers of Crohn’s disease, it may be even tougher. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the need to use the bathroom can all be major disruptors of our sleep quality. This, in turn, can disrupt our normal patterns and contribute to low sleep quality.
Over time, the lack of good sleep and the increase in daily fatigue can actually worsen other symptoms of the disease. Be sure to talk with your doc about ‘sleep hygiene.’ This is a great way to manage symptoms at night, keep your diet right, and ensure your medications aren’t messing with your sleep cycle.
Some common things you can do are avoid TV close to bedtime, limit caffeine, keep your room cool, keep a consistent schedule, and try herbal teas.
5. Side Effects from Medicine
Finally, make sure your Crohn’s medicines aren’t making you fatigued. Many corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic agents have the side effect of wearing you down. You may feel drowsy, lethargic, or even weak in your muscles. If this is the case, tell your healthcare provider so that you can adjust your dose, try alternative medicines, or change the schedule of treatment.
Overall, fatigue is a common and sometimes debilitating symptom of this disease. If you’re struggling with Crohn’s fatigue, talk to your doctor about the five reasons mentioned here, get on a personalized approach to feeling better, and return that healthy spring in your step!
