Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a condition which has severe effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The condition usually begins in the lower part of the small intestine or the colon and can spread throughout the entire tract. The disease starts as an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to symptoms that can be life-threatening. There is no clear evidence that has pointed to a specific cause of Crohn’s disease, but many researchers believe that it is either caused by the immune systems reaction to specific microbes or by heredity. Regardless of the causes of Crohn’s disease, the condition can be very dangerous if left untreated.

Crohn’s disease is noted by severe abdominal pains, blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, and unexplainable fevers. When these symptoms are noticed, it would be best to see your doctor. Typically, your family doctor will refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist when such symptoms are noticed. The specialist will be able to verify if Crohn’s disease is the cause of the symptoms. Some of the dangers of untreated Crohn’s disease include gastrointestinal tract obstructions, ulcers, fistulas (which can be life-threatening if untreated), anal fissures, and malnutrition.

Image via Wikipedia

Crohn’s disease is treated with a mixture of medications or surgery. A patient will receive three types of medications for Crohn’s disease which include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and antibiotics. In addition, patients might also be given anti-diarrheal drugs, laxatives, pain relievers, iron supplements, or various other vitamin supplements depending on their individual cases. If diet, exercise, and medications do not improve the patient’s condition, surgery is an option for patients. The most common surgery that Crohn’s disease patients undergo is strictureplasty. During the operation, a section of the individual’s intestines are widen to allow food to pass through more easily. Usually, the benefits are only temporary. It is very common for patients that undergo surgery to need the operation repeated. For best results, patients need to continue their prescribed medications after surgery.

This is an example of an abscess which would be very similar to the abscesses throughout the GI tract caused by crohn’s disease.  Image via Wikipedia