What age is Crohn's at its worst?

[carlysy]

Just wondering whether anyone has experienced their Crohn's more during a certain age bracket and whether it eases off at a certain age? I ask because I've heard from a few people with Crohn's that it is generally at its worst in your 20's (uh oh I'm 22). I've also heard stories from a few people I know of with Crohn's that they went into remission in their 30's or after they had a child.
Can anyone share their experiences/thoughts?

 

[shamrock15]

I don't know that it is age based, however many here were diagnosed late teens (as was I) and there are hormonal changes that happen around then. For me, it seems to have been more sleep centred with the lack of sleep when my daughter was young causing the worst period I had with the disease. In hindsight, I wasn't sleeping too much around the time I was diagnosed either (early shifts at McD's), late nights out at parties, late night hockey, all that fun stuff.

 

[LodgeLady]

I was just diagnosed this year at age 54. I don't know if menopause triggered it or not ( assuming hormones play a role). I wonder what the severity of the disease is the later in life you get it.

 

[zilla7777]

From what I gather, it seems that there is no real definitive answer on what age is 'worst.'

The whole thing is so unique. People have different symptoms, intensities, sensitivities to certain foods. It's insane to even comprehend. Sorry I can't be of much help.

 

[The Real MC]

Diagnosed at 42. Crohns doesn't seem to discriminate on age.

 

[mish2575]

I would venture a guess that the reason you've heard its worse in the 20s is because that is the age it primarily develops and it is not always figured out right away so people may be sickest right at the diagnosis point.

Just a guess. I'm 38, diagnosed at 25. Never as bad as when i went to the doctor to get diagnosed. I've been very lucky to catch it early (first GI, who did colonoscopy immediatly to find problem).

 

[SarahBear]

I would venture a guess that the reason you've heard its worse in the 20s is because that is the age it primarily develops and it is not always figured out right away so people may be sickest right at the diagnosis point.

I agree that this is most likely. There is no "worst" time period for Crohn's in a patient's life - there are just too many variables with the condition. It affects us all differently.

Also, a lot of younger people don't properly manage their health, be it because they don't understand the severity of the condition or because they want to "feel normal" and not have to take extra precautions.

 

[Axelfl3333]

Any time is the safe answer.

 

[AlexJ]

I was at my sickest when I was 18, I had a year long flare that just wouldn't budge. Now that I am 21 I am fit as a fiddle! (well, almost... )

 

[JustAYoungLad]

Also, a lot of younger people don't properly manage their health, be it because they don't understand the severity of the condition or because they want to "feel normal" and not have to take extra precautions.

Tell me about it. I used to be a party animal, Friday night, pizzas, beers, shots, staying up till 4am. You just want to feel normal, be normal. I don't believe any of that triggered my Crohns though, but it properly didn't help not being nutritionally balanced.

Also to answer the question I would say Crohns is unpredictable. One minute your fine, next your crippled over in pain. The only difference in age is that you learn how your body reacts to foods and medication.

 

[Kit_Kat]

Mine was most severe from ages 13-19, then went into remission for over a decade, then came back at age 34.

 

[carlysy]

Thanks everyone for sharing their thoughts. I have had symptoms since 11/12 years old and was diagnosed at 15. My flare ups are now more frequent than ever at the age of 22 and after years of learning about how best to manage my condition (food, sleep, stress, etc) I feel like I look after myself better than I ever have. Guess I'm just unlucky

 

[mish2575]

Could also be hormones. . .

 

[Kit_Kat]

One explanation given to me about why my symptoms could be changing with age is a weakening of stomach acidity that occurs with age and therefore changes the bacterial balance of the body. I'm sure having really high stomach acidity could also produce a harmful imbalance in the opposite direction. Stomach acidity is strongest in childhood and then declines.

http://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/gastric-balance-heartburn-caused-excess-acid/