Crohn’s Disease
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Crohn’s Disease (also called Ileitis or Enteritis) is a chronic, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s causes breaks in the lining, also known as ulcerations. These breaks can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus.
Crohn’s disease should not be confused with another IBD called Ulcerative Colitis (UC) which causes ulcers in the rectum and colon.
The symptoms of Crohn’s vary from person to person. The disease can mimic symptoms of other diseases, so, symptoms should be tracked. The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Arthritis
- Skin problems
- Fever
- Malnutrition
- Bleeding
- Inflammation in the eyes or mouth
- Kidney stones
- Gallstones
- Intestinal blockage
The diagnosis of Crohn’s is both physical and test based. There is no single test to diagnosis Crohn’s, so patients should be informed of their options.
Blood tests are used to determine:
- Anemia
- White Blood Cell (WBC) count
- Inflammation
Other tests include:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- X-ray (after the patient drinks a chalky solution used to coat the intestine)
- Capsule Endoscopy
Crohn’s Disease has no known cure and scientists are still unsure what causes it, although it tends to run in families. Since there is know cure, the best the medical establisment can offer is to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Types of medications that are sometimes used to help treat Crohns include:
- Anti-Inflammation drugs
- Steroids
- Immune suppressors
- Antibiotics
- Anti-diarrheal
- Fluid replacement
- Nutritional supplements
Surgery is another options for patients and is often required when inflammation cannot be controlled or there is a blockage or perforation in the intestinal wall . At worst, parts of the intestine must be removed or a colectomy must be preformed. While surgery is not uncommon, it is not a cure.
There are no consistent dietary rules to follow that will improve a person’s symptoms and all supplements, vitamins and diets should be approved by a doctor.
Resources
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- News Related to Crohn’s Disease
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
- United Ostomy Association, Inc.
