Understanding Pete Davidson's Crohn's Disease and Its Effects on His Eyes
Comedian and actor Pete Davidson has been open about his struggles with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. One of the lesser-known symptoms of Crohn's is inflammation of the eyes, which Pete has experienced firsthand.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Crohn's disease can impact the eyes, provide an overview of Pete Davidson's Crohn's journey, and discuss other celebrities living with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
How Crohn's Disease Affects the Eyes
Up to 10% of people with Crohn's disease develop inflammation of the eyes, known as uveitis. Uveitis occurs when the immune system attacks the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
Symptoms of uveitis may include:
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision or reduced vision
- Eye pain
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Floaters or dark spots in vision
Uveitis can affect one or both eyes. Repeated bouts of inflammation can lead to long-term eye damage and vision loss if not treated properly.
Doctors aren't entirely sure why people with Crohn's develop uveitis, but it's believed to be related to the overall autoimmune process that causes Crohn's inflammation. The eyes and intestines contain similar tissues, which may explain why the eyes can become inflamed in Crohn's disease.
Pete Davidson's Crohn's Diagnosis and Treatment
Pete Davidson was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 17 after suffering symptoms like severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. He was so ill that he couldn't even drink a sip of water.
The comedian has been candid about the disruptive nature of Crohn's, saying it once caused him to leave midway through a stand-up performance. He's also discussed the uveitis flares he experiences, which make his eyes swollen, red, and incredibly painful.
To manage his Crohn's, Pete takes immuno-suppressing medications to calm inflammation. He's switched medications multiple times to find the right balance of effectiveness and tolerability. Pete also adheres to a healthy, high-protein diet and limits stress as much as possible.
He has said that smoking marijuana helps relieve his Crohn's symptoms, though research on its efficacy is limited. Pete underwent a resection surgery in 2017 to remove a section of diseased bowel. He continues to experience flares.
Other Celebrities Impacted by Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Pete Davidson is far from alone when it comes to celebrities managing IBD. Here are 10 other famous names who've been affected by Crohn's or ulcerative colitis:
1. Mike McCready
Pearl Jam's lead guitarist Mike McCready was diagnosed with Crohn's in 1986 at age 20 after struggling with symptoms through his teens. He manages his disease with medication and says being in Pearl Jam and playing music has helped him cope.
2. Anastacia
Pop singer Anastacia was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in her early 20s after developing a bowel obstruction that required surgery. She uses her experience to advocate for IBD awareness.
3. Cynthia McFadden
NBC news anchor Cynthia McFadden lived quietly with Crohn's for decades before speaking out about her condition in 2006. She maintains an active lifestyle despite intestinal surgeries and occasional flares.
4. Ali Fedotowsky
Former Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky was hospitalized with ulcerative colitis in 2011. She manages her symptoms through medication and says having ulcerative colitis has made her more empathetic toward others.
5. Amy Brenneman
Actress Amy Brenneman, known for Judging Amy and Private Practice, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a college junior. She's been outspoken about living with an ostomy bag after colon removal surgery.
6. James Mangold
Film director James Mangold, famous for Walk the Line and The Wolverine, has lived with Crohn's since childhood. He uses his experience to add gut-wrenching realism to his films' hospital scenes.
7. Shannon Doherty
90210 actress Shannon Doherty was diagnosed with Crohn's in her late 20s after dealing with symptoms for years. She follows a careful diet, takes medications, and practices self-care to manage flare-ups.
8. Dash Snow
Artist Dash Snow lived with inflammatory bowel disease and spoke openly about the creativity his illness unlocked. He tragically passed away from an overdose at age 27.
9. Dean Kamen
Inventor Dean Kamen created the Segway scooter and Luke prosthetic arm while living with Crohn's disease. He advocates donating to research and finding joy in helping others.
10. Melinda Richter
Visionary dancer and choreographer Melinda Richter inspires others while battling Crohn's disease. She sees dance as her way of coping with the emotional and physical impacts.
The Outlook for Those With IBD
Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis poses daily challenges. While the path isn't easy, the examples of Pete Davidson and other celebrities showcase that it is possible to achieve great things despite IBD.
Advancements in treatment offer hope. New medications can induce long-term remission, and refined surgical techniques allow people to live full lives after colon removal. Increased awareness also makes the journey easier by reducing stigma.
The future looks bright, especially since scientists make new discoveries about these diseases every day. Each person's IBD manifests differently, but with proper treatment it does not have to dictate one's dreams and aspirations.
Pete Davidson does not let Crohn's disease determine his success in comedy. Likewise, the other celebrities on this list serve as inspiration for persevering through the ups and downs. Their openness comforts others facing similar journeys with inflammatory bowel disease.
FAQs
How does Crohn's disease affect the eyes?
Crohn's can cause uveitis, which is inflammation of the uvea in the eyes. This leads to redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and floaters. Repeated bouts of uveitis may result in permanent eye damage if not treated.
What medications does Pete Davidson take for his Crohn's disease?
Pete Davidson takes immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation caused by Crohn's. He has switched between different meds over time to balance effectiveness and side effects. He has also undergone bowel resection surgery.
What lifestyle changes can help manage Crohn's disease?
Lifestyle adjustments like eating a healthy Crohn's-friendly diet, reducing stress, exercising, not smoking, and getting enough sleep can help control Crohn's symptoms for some people. But medication is still usually needed.
Can smoking marijuana help Crohn's disease?
Some people with Crohn's say marijuana helps relieve their symptoms. But scientific research on its effectiveness is still very limited. Talk to your doctor before trying it for Crohn's treatment.
What is the outlook for people living with Crohn's disease?
There is hope for those with Crohn's disease. New medications can induce long-term remission, and advanced surgeries allow people to live fuller lives. Increased awareness also makes the journey easier by reducing stigma.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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