Crohns Disease - Crohns Disease Symptom, Picture, Causes, Treatment

What is Crohns Disease?

Crohns Disease is a chronic inflammation in the walls of the digestive tract, Crohns Disease (also called regional ileitis) most commonly affects the small bowel (ileum) and the colon, .but can occur in any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's is a chronic condition usually with exacerbations and remissions. Once the disease is established it is considered to be a life-long illness. Many patients will have variable periods of remission and a few can have very long remissions.

In most cases of Crohns Disease, symptoms first appear in people between the ages of 15 and 30. The cause is unknown. Crohn's colitis is a type of Crohn's disease that affects the large intestine (colon). Crohn's colitis is similar to ulcerative colitis, another form of IBD. Extensive testing may be required to distinguish Crohn's from ulcerative colitis.

Symptom of Crohns Disease

These generally include abdominal pain, diarrhoea (often blood stained), weight loss, fever, Anaemia and general debility. Other symptom dependon the site and severity of the inflamlmation. In acute bouts the symptoms may mimic acute Appendicitis, Ulcers may form in the bowel wall and may perforate to cause Peritonitis or the formation in the abdomen of abscesses or fistulas (abnormal connecting passages). The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease is abdominal pain, often in the right lower abdomen and with or without diarrhoea. Joint pains, loss of appetite, weight, and fever are common. Sores and abscesses may occur in the anal area. People with Crohn's frequently have recurring mouth ulcers.

Diagnosis of Crohns Disease

If Crohns Disease is suspected. it can be confirmed by contrast X-ray (barium meal or enema) of the bowel. or sometimes by endoscopy internal examination via a viewing instrument and biopsy. Once a diagnosis of Crohn's disease is made, various treatments are employed that help relieve symptoms, but as yet there is no cure. The Crohn's experience can differ widely. Some people never develop complications, some only strictures, some abdominal abscesses, and others only peri-anal and intestinal fistulas.

Treatment of Crohns Disease

There is no known cure of Crohns Disease. However, therapies are available that may greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and even bring about a long-term remission. Measures to control diarrhoea, improve nutrition, treat anaemia and build up general health are important. Cortico Steroid Drugs are used to subdue the inflammation in acute bouts. and long-term use of the drug sulfasalazine helps to control low-grade inflammation. Occasionally surgery is necessary to remove parts of the bowel affected by fistulas or narrowing. There is no special diet for Crohn's disease and most patients do not require dietary restriction. When the disease is very active a bland diet low in fibre is often better tolerated than one high in fibre and containing a lot of fat and spices. If there is narrowing of the small intestine, a semi-fluid diet may be needed as a temporary measure.

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