Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It is characterized by inflammation, ulcers, and abscesses in the digestive tract.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can be managed with medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Anal fissures
- Fistulas
Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose Crohn’s disease. Diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose Crohn’s disease include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry tests
- Stool tests
- Upper endoscopy
- Lower endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- CT scan
- MRI
Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can be managed with medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Medication
The goal of medication is to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. The type of medication that is used will depend on the severity of the disease and the individual’s response to treatment.
Some of the medications that may be used to treat Crohn’s disease include:
- Aminosalicylates
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Biologic therapy
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary to treat Crohn’s disease if medication is not effective or if there are complications such as a bowel obstruction or perforation.
The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the location and severity of the disease. Some of the surgical procedures that may be used to treat Crohn’s disease include:
- Strictureplasty
- Bowel resection
- Ileostomy
- Colostomy
Lifestyle Changes
There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage Crohn’s disease. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
Complications of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Inflammatory bowel cancer
- Bowel obstruction
- Perforation
- Fistulas
- Abscesses
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Depression