Crohn's Disease

Introduction of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a painful, recurrent, chronic inflammatory bowel disease that

affects the ileum (last part of the small bowel: ileitis and enteritis) or colon. It
starts with small, burning ulcers, which slowly lead to highly ulcerated walls of
bowel. The walls of the bowel start thickening which results in narrowing of the
bowel making it difficult for thebowelto perform its functions properly.
People of all ages and sexes can develop this disorder. A study shows that it is
basically widespread in people with fair complexion. Even though it does not
differentiate between children, teens, or old people, it is evident that most of the
patients of this disease are people belonging to the young generation.

What are the causes of Crohn's Disease

Although the origin of this disease is not known, many doctors relate it with the
bacteria that grow in the gut. Not all the bacteria seem to be responsible for this,
but a few inflammation-causing ones are thought to be among the main players. It
is also thought to be hereditary, as people in the same family are found to be
suffering from this irritating disease. Few studies also show that it is caused due to
the internal problems of the body, and our immune system plays an important role
in inducing theinflammatory condition of the colon, intestines, small bowel etc.

Types of Crohn's disease

If not taken care in its early stages, this disease may spread to other parts of the
bowel. The inflammation can grow and spread out in the areas, like duodenum or
the stomach. It may lead to liver andkidney damage, and it is also associated
with spondylitis (generally,ankylosing spondylitis). As the disease is mainly
characterized by inflammatory ulcers, it also can cause diseases related to the
skin and all openings of the body, like eyes, anus,vaginaetc. It can be classified
in the following types:
Crohn's ileitis
Crohn's colitis (also known as colonic Crohn's disease)
Ileocolic Crohn's disease
Peri-anal Crohn's disease

Symptom of Crohn's Disease

Severe, recurrent pain in the infected area of theintestinal tractand the
abdomen
Frequent attacks of diarrhoea that contains blood
Fever
Indigestion
Malnutrition
Slow physical growth (in children)
Mental frustration (due to regular hospitalization)
Nausea
Weakness
Weight loss(due to ongoing fatigue and drainage of energy from the body)
Formulation of fistula (draining sinus tract) in various parts of body, like skin, anal
area, vaginal area etc.
Urinary infections(due to fistula)
Inflammation in the affected part of body
Bleeding of the ulcersin the intestinal tract (in rare cases)

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease

Although there are many tests available, a single one alone cannot completely
confirm to the existence of this condition. This makes it necessary for the
doctors to rely on the integrated results of several tests.
As already mentioned above, it has been found that the disease exhibits
hereditary linkage, therefore, information about your health and your family
history can surely help your doctor in coming to a conclusion.
Ablood testmay be conducted in order to check various blood related
problems such as anaemia, deficiency of various important vitamins and
minerals, etc.
Colonoscopy may be performed for direct visualization of the colon and the
terminal ileum from the intestinal tract. A sample of the affected tissue may be
removed forbiopsy.
CT andMRI scansmay be suggested to understand the overall condition, and
the complications that may occur due to the spread of disease from the infected
area to the surrounding area.
Barium-Follow Throughtest may be performed to complement the
colonoscopy, by allowing visualization of the small intestinal area.
Your doctor may also decide to take help of advanced technology in order to
insert a capsule shaped micro device with a camera in your intestine to capture
real time images of yourgastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's diseaseis very painful and may be incurable. It requires the patient to
pay 100% attention towards his/her health, and understand the importance of
ahealthy and proper diet. After studying your condition, your doctor might
suggest you treatments such as medications (anti-inflammatory drugs,
immunosuppressants, steroids, antibiotics etc.). Surgical intervention for removal
of the infected areas may be prescribed in severe cases.