/ CROHN`S DISEASE

CROHN`S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease a type of chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It leads to inflammation of the digestive tract causing pain in the abdomen, tiredness, diarrhoea and weight loss. This disease commonly presents in the small intestine & the colon. However, it can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, right from the mouth till the anus.

Crohn’s disease can occur in any age, but is commonly found in the age group of 20 to 30. It affects both men & women equally.

Types of Crohn’s Disease

Based on which part of the GI tract gets affected, Crohn’s disease has been classified as follows:

Ileocolitis: This is the most common form of Crohn’s disease in which the end of small intestine & colon are affected. The patient experiences diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain & weight loss as symptoms.

Ileitis affects the ileum. Symptoms of ileitis are more or less similar to Ileocolitis. In some cases, patient may experience fistulas or abscess

Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease: In this case, the stomach & the upper most part of small intestine known as duodenum are affected. In this condition, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite & unintended weight loss

Jujunoileitis: The upper part of the small intestine, known as jejunum becomes inflamed in jujunoileitis. Signs may include mild to sever pain in the abdomen, cramps after eating, diarrhoea & fistula

Crohn’s Colitis: In this type of Crohn’s disease, inflammation occurs only in the colon. Symptoms include bleeding in the rectum, diarrhoea, fistula & abscess.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease tend to develop slowly & can get worse over time. Early symptoms of the disease include:

• Cramps in the belly
• Diarrhoea
• Bloody stools
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Frequent need for bowel movements

As the disease progresses, symptoms can get worse & may include:

• Fistulas
• Ulcers
• Inflammation of joints
• Shortness of breath

What are the risk factors?

Ulcerative Colitis occurs when the immune system attacks its own body. The white blood cells instead of protecting the lining of the large intestine, begin to attack it causing inflammation & ulcers. There is no conclusive evidence as to why ulcerative colitis t. While genes may play a role, certain factors in the environment may also cause this disease.

What are the risk factors?

• Although a person of any age may develop Crohn’s disease, it is more commonly found in young adults in the age group of 20 to 30
• Risk of developing

What are the complications?

• Bowel obstruction
• Ulcers
• Fistulas
• Anal Fissure
• Colon Cancer
• Malnutrition

How is it diagnosed?

• Blood tests to detect inflammation & anaemia
• Stool test to check for blood in the gastrointestinal tract
• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• CT Scan
• MRI
• Biopsy

How is it Treated?

Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are many treatment options available to manage the symptoms effectively. Some of the treatment methods include:

• Dietary Changes
• Medications
  • Anti-diarrhoea medications
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Immunomodulators
  • Biologics

Surgery: Research indicates that in about 75% of the patients surgery may be required at some point. Generally, surgery is not recommended unless other treatment methods fail. Surgical intervention may involve repairing damaged tissue, treating infections or removing damaged parts of the gastrointestinal tract.