Crohn Disease an overview

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract, but most commonly it is found in the small intestine. Crohn's disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently.

Crohn Diagnosis

Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders. The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area. Bleeding, weight loss, and fever may also occur.  Your doctor will need to perform a thorough physical examination to determine if you have Crohn's disease.  This will include blood tests to check for anemia and inflammation.  It is also likely you will need what is called an upper GI series that uses an ingested barium solution to provide high contrast for x-ray imaging of the intestines.  The doctor may also need to perform a visual examination of portions of the intestine to determine the severity of the disease and to decide on treatment options.  This is accomplished using either a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.

Crohn Disease Treatment

Treatment for Crohn's disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and response to previous treatment. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms like abdominal pain. Treatment may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options.

Drug treatment normally involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs that contain mesalamine.  If this treatment does not improve the inflammation, your doctor might try cortisone or other steroid based anti-inflammation medicines.  There may also be the need to for antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medications to treat related symptoms.

Because Crohn's disease causes difficulty in the digestive system, many people who suffer from the disease also have poor nutrition because they are unable to absorb nutrients from their food.  The doctor may need to prescribe nutritional supplements to help keep the person healthy and to aid in healing.

It is estimated that about 75% of all people who suffer from Crohn's disease will require surgery at some point in their lives.  Your doctor will consider surgery in cases where your body stops responding to other treatments.  The surgery usually involves removing a portion of the intestine that is badly diseased with the hope that this will relieve the painful symptoms.  Your doctor will decide if you are a candidate for this form of treatment.