Crohn's disease

Alternative Names

Colitis, Granulomatous, Crohn's enteritis, Enteritis, Granulomatous Enteritis, Regional Ileitis, Ileocolitis

What is Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which primarily causes breaks in the lining of the small and large intestines but can influence the digestive system in different area from the mouth to the anus. The name “Crohn’s disease” was given in the memory of the physician who described the disease in 1932. It can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and malnutrition. In some cases this disease can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of this disease may include:

• crampy pain in the abdomen, often in the lower right area
• persistent diarrhea (loose, watery, or frequent bowel movements)
• fever
• rectal bleeding which may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia
• constipation
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• tiredness
• joint pains
• skin problems
• stunted growth and delayed development in children
• pain in the rectal area due to fissures (tear in the anal lining)

Possible complications

The disease can lead to the blockage of the intestine. Crohn’s disease may also cause sores or ulcers which may affect bladder, vagina or skin.

Crohn’s disease can also lead to:

• arthritis
• skin problems
• inflammation in the eyes or mouth
• kidney stones
• gallstones
• other diseases of the liver and biliary system

What causes

The causes of Crohn's disease are still unknown. There is an opinion that suggests that a number of factors, e.g. heredity and a malfunctioning immune system influences on the development of Crohn's disease.

Prevention

This disease cannot be prevented. You can only reveal its symptoms by treatment.

Treatment

Medical treatment is aimed to decrease the inflammation that triggers the signs and symptoms and to limit complications. Commonly, treatment of Crohn's disease consist of drug therapy and sometimes surgery.

You should discuss the treatment with your doctor. Recommended medications usually include:

• anti-diarrhea drugs, e.g. Loperamide (Imodium)
• fiber supplements , e.g. psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain

It is important that drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can worsen your condition. You should talk to your doctor before intaking them.