Crohn's Disease

Overview:

Crohn's Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing chronic inflammation of the lining of the bowel tract, most commonly affecting the ileum (last part of the small intestine, colon and rectum. Crohn's is not limited to a particular age group or gender; the majority of individuals affected are between the ages of 16 and 40, both men and women equally. Symptoms of Crohn's can be mild or severe, and may include abdominal pain (cramping), diarrhea, bloating, anal pain or drainage, fever, weight loss and reduced appetite. Other symptoms can include joint pain, skin lesions or ulcers, rectal abscess and fissure. It is estimated by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons that together, ulcerative colitis (another IBD) and Crohn's afflict two million Americans. Another common name for Crohn's is Regional Enteritis.

Causes:

The exact cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown, although it is believed that immune system malfunction and a bacterial infection may be at the root of its development. Studies suggest that the body's response to particular bacteria may cause the lining of the digestive tract to become inflamed. It is also thought there is a slight genetic tendency which contributes to the likelihood that individuals who have a relative with history of Crohn's or ulcerative colitis are more susceptible to developing it.

Diagnosis:

A diagnosis of Crohn's Disease will generally be made after your gastroenterologist has ruled out other issues which present with similar symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer. Procedures such as blood tests, a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, or various X-rays can be used, sometimes in combination, to diagnose Crohn's.

Treatment:

Initial treatment for Crohn's is nearly always with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, as recommended by your gastroenterologist. The goal of any treatment is to reduce the inflammation which triggers the symptoms. Although there is no "cure" for Crohn's, medical therapy can reduce these symptoms to bring relief and greater comfort, and often long-term remission. Corticosteroids can reduce this inflammation. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary. The persistence of Crohn's symptoms and unresponsiveness to medication, abscess formation, and severe anal disease may all be indications that surgery is needed. In the event that the bowel becomes blocked, the intestine becomes perforated, or there is significant bleeding as a result of Crohn's, emergency surgery may be needed.

How Associates in Gastroenterology can help:

Crohn's is a very serious condition, and although there is no cure, treatment is essential in order to manage the disease and preserve your health. It is possible to live comfortably, and we can help. If you suffer from Crohn's and have been unable to find relief, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please do not hesitate to call our office. We are here to help!