Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is the inflammation of the lining and/or wall of the digestive tract; it can occur in all the layers of the bowel wall.¹ Crohn’s disease can affect any one or more areas of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, but it most often affects the ileum – the final and longest portion of the small intestine.² This disease can affect both children and adults, but it most commonly begins to present symptoms between ages 13 and 30. Approximately 20% of people who are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease have symptoms before the age of 20.³ The most common symptoms include:

• abdominal pain
• severe cramping
• diarrhea
• rectal bleeding
• weight loss

After symptoms arise, there are numerous medical tests that are beneficial in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Your healthcare provider may order the following tests: blood, stool, a body CT scan, a CT enterography, a body MRI, an MRI enterography, an upper GI series or lower GI series.

There is no cure that exists for Crohn’s disease; however, once accurately diagnosed there are treatment options available to diminish the symptoms.

The most effective treatments are medications to control inflammation, supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies, and surgery. Regarding the medications: anti-inflammatories, steroids, and antibiotics are used for mild cases; immune modulators and biological drugs are used for more severe cases.³ These drugs work to control the over-active immune response and, therefore, make the immune system less likely to damage the digestive tract. The possible surgeries for the treatment of more severe cases of Crohn’s disease are proctocolectomy, ileostomy, and intestinal resection.³

There are various complications that can result from the progression of Crohn’s disease without treatment. These complications are intestinal blockage, deep ulcers, buildup of scar tissue, inadequate absorption of nutrients, joint pain, and skin problems.¹ If left untreated, Crohn’s disease can also lead to colorectal cancer, or liver or gallbladder disease. It is important that Crohn’s disease is not allowed to progress and cause these life-threatening conditions or complications. See your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect this IBD.

References:

1.  Crohn’s Disease. Medline Plus. Accessed October 19, 2016.

2.  (ACR) RS of NA (RSNA) and AC of R. Crohn’s Disease. Accessed October 19, 2016.

3.  Crohn’s Disease is an Immune Disorder: A Patient Guide. Accessed October 19, 2016.