Definition
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus (the end of the rectum).
See also: Ulcerative colitis
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on what part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can come and go with periods of flare-ups.
The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:
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Definition
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus (the end of the rectum).
See also: Ulcerative colitis
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on what part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can come and go with periods of flare-ups.
The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:
Other symptoms may include:
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Causes
While the exact chain of events that lead to Crohn's disease is unknown, the condition is linked to a problem with the body's immune system response. Normally the immune system helps protect the body from harmful substances. But in patients with Crohn's disease and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the immune system can't tell the difference between good substances and foreign invaders. The result is an overactive immune response that leads to chronic inflammation. This is called an autoimmune disorder.
There are five different types of Crohn's disease:
- Ileocolitis is the most common form. It affects the lowest part of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon).
- Ileitis affects the ileum.
- Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the stomach and first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
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Treatment
Medicines that may be prescribed include:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are medicines that help control mild to moderate inflammation. Some forms of the drug are taken by mouth; others must be given rectally.
- Corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) are used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease. They may be taken by mouth or inserted into the rectum.
- Immunomodulators such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine help reduce the need for corticosteroids and can help heal some fistulas.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for abscesses or fistulas.
- Biologic therapy is used to treat patients with severe Crohn's disease that does not respond to any other types of medication. Infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) are approved for Crohn's disease. They belong to a class of ...
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Outlook (Prognosis)
There is no cure for Crohn's disease. The condition is marked by periods of improvement followed by flare ups of symptoms.
You have a higher risk for small bowel and colon cancer if you have Crohn's disease. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are important. Some evidence suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer. Ask your doctor if this may be best for you.
Exams and Tests
A physical examination may reveal an abdominal mass or tenderness, skin rash, swollen joints or mouth ulcers. The doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to the belly area. Abdominal sounds (borborygmus, a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine) may be heard.
Tests to diagnose Crohn's disease include:
A stool culture may be done to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
This disease may also alter the results of ...
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References
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Treatment For Crohn's Disease . Rockville, MD: National Press Office; February 27, 2007: Report P07-30.
Sandborn WJ, Hanauer SB, Rutgeerts PJ, et al. Adalimumab for Maintenance Treatment of Crohn's Disease: Results of the CLASSIC II Trial. Gut . 2007 Feb 13 [Epub ahead of print].
Hawk ET, Levin B. Colorectal cancer prevention. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:378-388.
