Crohn's Disease:
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease (also called ileitis or enteritis) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, known as the ileum (iletitis, regional enteritis), and the colon (Crohn’s colitis). The inflammation or swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected area. This can cause pain and make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be inflamed, and normal healthy sections of the bowel can be found between sections of swollen bowel. Eventually, the bowel may become narrowed or obstructed and surgery is needed.
Crohn’s disease affects both sexes equally and seems to be genetic. About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister, or one of their parents. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish descent have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, while African Americans have a decreased risk, which further illustrates the genetic link in this disease.
Causes and Symptoms:
Scientists do not know if the abnormality in the functioning of the immune system in people with Crohn’s disease is a cause, or a result, of the disease. Research now shows that the inflammation in the GI tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors: the genetic makeup of the patient, his or her immune system, and the environment. Foreign substances, also referred to as antigens, are found in the environment. One possible cause for inflammation may be the body’s reaction to these antigens, or that the antigens themselves are the cause for the inflammation. Some researchers believe that a protein produced by the immune system, known as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF), could be a possible cause for the inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease depend on the location of the inflammation within the GI tract. If a patient has inflammation in the illium (ileitis), chronic pain may occur in the right, lower area of the abdomen. At time, this pain may feel like acute appendicitis. If a patient has inflammation of the colon (Crohn’s colitis), he or she may experience diarrhea (sometimes bloody), weight loss or a fever. Crohn’s disease often affects the anal region causing rectal bleeding.
Diagnosis:
In order to diagnose a patient with Crohn’s disease, a physician may perform a series of tests. Certain blood and stool tests are done to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays of the small intestines and colon are also usually performed. Additionally, a sigmoidoscopy may be done in order to view the lining of the rectum and lower bowel. If the physician thinks the inflammation is in the colon, he or she may conduct a colonoscopy to view the entire colon.
Treatment options:
Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of any of these options. The goals of treatment for Crohn’s disease are to control inflammation, correct nourishment deficiencies, and ease painful symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. At this time, treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence, but there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease.
Treatment for Crohn’s disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person’s response to previous medical treatments when treated for reoccurring symptoms. Some people have long periods of time when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person’s lifetime. A person with Crohn’s disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor their condition.
It is particularly important for a person with Crohn’s disease to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle with adequate exercise and a positive attitude. Currently, five types of medications are available to treat the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. They include: Cortisone or steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, infliximab (or Remicade), and anti
Related information:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
