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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is Crohn's disease linked to my recent difficulty concentrating?

    Related Topics
    Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Digestive Health
    Lately I have noticed that I have difficulty focusing at work. I read that it could be a side effect of Crohn's… is this true? what can I do about it?
    • 2 answers
    • Prof Andrew Day
    • Dr Kannan Venugopal
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    Thanks

    Prof Andrew Day

    Paediatrician

    A number of different things can impact on concentration

    Crohns disease can impair the bowel's ability to absorb different nutrients -these include iron, vitamin b12 and vitamin d.
    Low levels of iron can lead to anaemia can lead to low energy and difficulty concentrating.

    Low nutrition more generally may also interfere with concentrating.

    In addition, active Crohns can also lead to lethargy, which could also alter concentrating.

    Finally, very uncommonly some of the mess used for Crohns could also impact on concentrating

    Best wishes


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    Dr Kannan Venugopal

    Gastroenterologist

    I am an adult gastroenterologist working in Perth, WA. I have trained in Perth and Edinburgh, UK. After completing my speciality gastroenterology training, i have … View Profile

    I agree with all the points made by Prof Day. I would just add that it might be worthwhile checking your thyroid function too. Thyroid dysfunction ( more commonly hypothyroidism) can be seen in upto 3% of patients with Crohn's disease and this, if present, can certainly contribute to your symptoms.

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