Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are those that cause inflammation in the intestines. One of these is Crohn’s disease, which usually affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. While Crohn’s disease is characterized by ulcerations of the intestines, it can affect any other part of the digestive system as well.
Also known by various other names such as granulomatous enteritis or colitis, Crohn’s disease is not easily diagnosed since its symptoms resemble those of other IBD. The inflammation causes abdominal pain and often results in diarrhea. Other symptoms include persistent rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever.
Crohn’s disease causes the intestinal wall to swell, resulting in blockage of the intestine. It causes ulcers that can tunnel into and affect surrounding tissues such as the bladder, vagina, or even the skin. These tunnels, or fistulas, can become infected and may require surgery. Crohn’s disease also results in nutritional deficiencies resulting from a poor diet or intestinal loss of protein. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease may also develop complications such as arthritis, skin problems, kidney stones, and inflammation in the eyes or mouth.
There are various theories about what causes Crohn’s disease. The common opinion is that the inflammation in the intestine is caused by the reaction of the body’s immune system to a virus. The disease is believed to run in families and affects both men and women.
As of now there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Treatment includes measures to reduce inflammation, rectify nutritional deficiencies, and relieve other symptoms. Crohn’s disease is chronic and patients may require medical care over a long period, though some may experience periods of remission. Some patients need surgery to deal with blockages or abscesses in the intestine. Patients with Crohn’s disease in the large intestine might require surgery to remove their entire colon, while others only need to have the diseased part removed.
Crohn’s disease may not reoccur in some patients for long periods of time and they can continue to function normally at work and at home.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Crohns Disease Symptoms
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, Crohn’s disease can also affect other parts of the digestive system. It is characterized by ulcerations of the intestines and may result in blockages. Sometimes it causes sores in surrounding tissues, which may become infected and require surgery....
-
Crohns Disease Treatment
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the intestines, causing ulcerations. It can also affect other parts of the digestive system. A chronic disease, it has no permanent cure, but symptoms can be treated as they occur, either with drugs, dietary changes, or...
-
Crohns Disease Diet
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Diet plays a very important role in the treatment and management of Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Symptoms of the disease include very frequent bouts of diarrhea and low appetite, resulting in poor nutrition, which must be corrected with...
-
Colitis
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Colitis is the medical term used to refer to an acute inflammatory condition of the colon. It is associated with the inflammation of the intestine and/or the rectum. Colitis causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the top layer of the large intestine. The inflammation...
-
Crohn’s Disease Activity Index
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the alimentary tract and can affect any part of it, from the mouth to the anus. It typically affects the terminal ileum and well -demarcated areas of the large intestine. Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) is a...
-
Crohn’s Disease Foundations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A foundation is a kind of charitable organization set up by individuals or institutions, as a legal entity. It is usually a corporation or a trust headed by prominent members of the society. It is generally organized with the purpose of distributing grants or funds...
-
Coronary Heart Disease
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The most common form of death among Americans is coronary heart disease. About 13 million people get it every year. A leading cause of death among men and women, it should be properly diagnosed and treated at its early stages. Coronary heart disease is otherwise...
-
Ischemic Colitis
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Ischemic colitis is caused by obstruction of blood flow to the large intestine. In these cases formation of blood clots and deposits of fatty material, called artherosclerosis, leads to chronic blockage of the colon. This causes damage to the lining and inner layers of the...
-
Crohn’s Disease Support Groups
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Man is a social animal and does not live in isolation. Hence, it is vital for patients to adjust to the society and their living conditions despite any diseases they may have. This is where the role of health support groups is critical. Support groups,...
-
Heart Disease
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Heart disease, as the name implies, is an affliction of heart and its associated systems. Around 13 million people suffer from coronary heart disease, with 479,000 people dying from it each year. Congenital heart disease affects 8-10 out of 1,000 children every year in America....