Crohn's disease is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation,
ulcers, and bleeding in the digestive tract. Crohn's disease usually affects the small intestine, particularly the last section (called the ileum), but any part of the digestive tract can be affected from the mouth to the anus.
The cause of Crohn's disease is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis
and Crohn's disease) seem to run in some families. Some researchers think that a virus or bacteria causes the immune system to overreact and damage intestines.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
Blood tests
Stool examination
Barium swallow—a series of x-rays of structures inside the throat that are taken after drinking a barium-containing liquid
Barium enema x-ray—insertion of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
Flexible sigmoidoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
Colonoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
Biopsy—removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing. This may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment may include:
Avoiding Foods That Provoke Symptoms
These foods are different for each person. They may include:
Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)
Highly seasoned foods
High-fiber foods
Aminosalicylate Medications
Sulfasalazine
Mesalamine
Olsalazine
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Prednisone
Methylprednisolone
Budesonide
Immune Modifiers
Azathioprine
6-mercaptopurine
Methotrexate
Biologic Therapy
Infliximab
Adalimumab
Antibiotic Medications
Metronidazole
Ampicillin
Ciprofloxacin
Surgery
Very severe Crohn's disease may not improve with medications. You may be advised to have the severely diseased section of your intestine removed. The two remaining healthier ends of the intestine are then joined together. However, you are still at high risk for recurrence of the disease elsewhere. Surgery may also be necessary if you have an intestinal obstruction, or if you have fistulas which need removal or repair.
Untreated Crohn's disease may lead to:
Fistulas—abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs or tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
