|
|
|
- This is a disease involving
inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It can occur
anywhere in the tract, including the mouth, esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus. Though the
most commonly affected area is the ileum (part of the small
intestine), other parts of the small intestine and the colon
are also common. The inflammation affects the whole wall of
the part of the tract involved (i.e., the full thickness of
the ileum). Crohn's disease is thought to be an autoimmune
illness, in which the body attacks itself, but this is not
entirely certain.
|
|
- Fevers
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Liquid bowel movements
- Weight loss
- Loss of energy
- Abdominal Bloating
- Anal pain
- Anal bleeding
- Anal/rectal discharge
- Mouth ulcers
- Rashes
- Back arthritis
- Joint
arthritis/pain
|
|
- Abdominal tenderness
- Mass in right lower abdomen
- Rectal exam may show
blood
- Anemia
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Low albumin (protein) because the
body is not absorbing nutrients properly
- Elevated sedimentation
rate
-
X-Rays may show
ulcers, strictures (bowel narrowing), or fistulas
(abnormal tracts)
- Small bowel follow through
(barium is swallowed and X-Rays taken) may
show inflamed ileum
- CT scan may show inflamed
involved areas
-
Barium Enema
-
Colonoscopy with
biopsy
- Nuclear medicine scans such as radiolabeled leukocyte scans
(99mTc-WBC scintigraphy for Crohns) can discriminate between
inflammatory and noninflammatory features. This type of imaging
is useful to differentiate Crohn's Disease from ulcerative colitis.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can also be used in diagnostic
work up of Crohn's Disease.
|
|
- Diet -- specific low-fiber or
high-fiber may be prescribed depending on symptoms and
location of the disease
- AntiDiarrheal medications as needed, e.g., Lomotil
- Antispasmodic medication as needed,
e.g. Hyoscyamine
- Medications for treating
Crohn's:
- Sulfasalazine
- Corticosteroids, e.g., Prednisone
- Immune therapy drugs, such as
Azathioprine or Mercaptopurine
- Surgery may be needed for fistulas,
abscesses (infections), or bowel
obstructions.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|