What Is Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disease that can cause inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract or GI. It can affect any area from the mouth to the rectum, but most commonly will affect the lowest part of the small intesting called the Ileum.
As the symptoms are similar to other bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, it can often be difficult to diagnose. The difference is that Ulcerative Colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine, while Crohn’s disease will often cause all parts of the intestine to be inflamed.
The disease tends to run in families with 20 percent of those who have it have a relative who have irritable bowel disease. It can form in all age groups, but more often than not in those aged 20 to 30, with the emphasis on those of Jewish heritage or are Caucasian.
There are several ideas on what exactly causes Crohn’s disease, however, none of them have been proven. The most prevalent one is an abnormal reaction with the immune system, which makes the body attack itself. Several theories exist about what causes Crohn’s disease, but none have been proven. The human immune system is made from cells and different proteins that protect people from infection.
The symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, located in the lower right area, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever. It is diagnosed by physical examinations, blood tests, and an upper GI test where the patient drinks a chalky, white substance called barium that covers the small intestine lining and shows up on x-ray. If it is white, it indicates inflammation in the intestine, an indication of Crohn’s disease. A Colonoscopy may be performed to confirm it. The doctor places a long tube attached to a computer into a patient’s anus. They can do either a Sigmoidoscopy which will examine the lower part of the large intestine or the Colonoscopy which examines the entire colon and intestine. Treatment includes anti-inflammation drugs such as Mesalamine and Sulfasalazine. Also, Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa can be used. In addition, cortisone or even steroids have been known to be prescribed. A common medication in these forms are Prednisone, who can often be given in large doses at the beginning to help ease symptoms.
Immune System Suppressors can also be used to treat the disease. The most common of these are 6-mercaptopurine or it’s sister drug, azathioprine. It’s side effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Remicade is the first medication that blocks the inflammation in the body and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Diet and stress management can also be used to treat Crohn’s. Up to two-thirds to three-quarters who have the disease will eventually need surgery. It is required when medications and diet no longer helps the symptoms. Some patients will opt to have their entire colon removed in something called a colostomy. When this is performed, an incision is made in the abdominal wall at the beginning of the ileum and the colon is brought out of the skin. Those who have this done wear a pouch over the opening to collect waste. Some patients will only need the disease portion removed. The bad part will be cut out and reconnected
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