Crohn's disease is a chronic and incurable condition causing inflammation to the lining of the digestive system, along with a host of other painful side effects. The condition affects over 115,000 people in the UK, and researchers believe it is genetic or hereditary, but can be triggered by factors such as viruses, stress, or dietary issues.
Celebrity magician Dynamo, a Crohn's sufferer, recently shared a picture showing the dramatic impact the disease has had on his appearance. He said: 'You can see my appearance has changed because of all the medication I'm on - I'm on quite a lot of tablets as you can see, and all the medication has caused me to put on a lot of extra body weight, as well as a rash that's all over my head.'
Crohn's is one of the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the other being Ulcerative Colitis. According to the NHS, the inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the back passage, but most commonly occurs in the last section of the small intestine or the large intestine. It is most often diagnosed between the ages of 13 and 30, though some are not diagnosed until their 50s or later.
Key symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Many people with Crohn's can go for long periods without symptoms (remission), but flare-ups can get progressively worse over time. If you experience these symptoms, you are advised to visit your doctor to rule out other causes such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Treatment typically involves drugs to control inflammation, such as steroids (e.g., prednisolone or hydrocortisone), which can reduce symptoms but have side effects including weight gain and rash. Doctors aim to reduce the dose as soon as symptoms are under control. Other treatments include immunosuppressants like azathioprine or mercaptopurine, and biological therapies such as infliximab, adalimumab, and ustekinumab. Surgery may be required in severe cases.
Dynamo has changed his diet radically to manage his disease, banning gluten, dairy, fat, and vegetables. He added: 'It's more about affecting the comfort levels of your life. It can be incredibly restrictive, and I know some people with it who can't even leave the house. And that is so sad.' Experts advise not to cut out foods without speaking to a professional, as the body can be deprived of essential nutrients.
