Learn more about Crohn’s disease, which caused broadcaster Evaristo Costa to lose 22 kilograms in three weeks.

247 – Recently, journalist Evaristo Costa (48 years old) revealed that he lost 22 kilograms of weight in just three weeks as a result of suffering from Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic and serious condition that affects the digestive system. In a podcast interview bodycringEvaristo shared his difficult experience with the disease, which had severe effects, such as rapid weight loss. “I weighed 99 kilos, but I was 99 because I was taking corticosteroids, which caused me to bloat a lot, and the doctors concluded that corticosteroids had no effect on me.” […] Then stop the medication. “I lost 22 kilograms in three weeks.” He further commented: “I feel lost. This is how I introduce myself to the doctor. Every day I feel lost.”

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but is most common in the small intestine and colon. Although the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental and immunological factors may lead to the problem. The immune system, for reasons that are not fully understood, attacks healthy parts of the intestine, causing persistent inflammation. Although anyone can develop Crohn’s disease, the disease is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30, and there is a higher incidence in people with a family history of the condition.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and in some cases, rectal bleeding. Furthermore, complications outside the gastrointestinal tract may arise, such as arthritis, canker sores, eye problems (such as inflammation and sensitivity to light), as well as skin rashes. In more serious cases, fistulas can occur – abnormal channels between different parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other parts of the body. These complications can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life, reports Evaristo Costa.

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease is difficult because its symptoms can be confused with other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors use a combination of laboratory tests, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, and endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy. These tests allow you to determine the degree of inflammation and the location of affected areas in the digestive tract.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease aims to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent serious complications. Although there is no definitive cure, proper treatment can allow many patients to live normal lives. Treatment options include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids (although they may not work for all patients, as in the case of Evaristo), immunosuppressants, and, in severe cases, biological therapies that help suppress the immune response. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove severely damaged parts of the intestine. Moreover, lifestyle changes are necessary, such as following a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding fatty or intestinal-irritating foods, doing moderate physical exercise and reducing stress. Smoking control is also essential, as smoking is a risk factor for worsening the disease.

Although Crohn’s disease is serious, it can be managed with adequate medical care and a lifestyle that adapts to the limitations of the condition. Evaristo Costa’s experience highlights the importance of being aware of symptoms and seeking early medical advice, ensuring more effective diagnosis and treatment.