Crohn's is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers , and bleeding in the digestive tract. It usually affects the end portion of the small intestine called the ileum. However, 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 it is due to a reaction to a virus or bacteria. The immune system overreacts and causes damage to the intestines.
Factors increase your chance of getting Crohn's include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
If you are diagnosed with Crohn's disease, your doctor will give you guidelines to follow.
Treatment may include:
These foods are different for each person. They may include:
Very severe Crohn's 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. You are still at high risk for recurrence of the disease elsewhere.
Surgery may also be done if you have an obstruction or fistulas.
Untreated Crohn's disease may lead to:
If you are diagnosed with Crohn's disease, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
http://www.ccfa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC)
http://www.ccfc.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Crohn's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/ . Accessed July 20, 2008.
Disease information. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/info/?LMI=4 . Accessed July 20, 2008.
Goroll AH, Mulley AG. Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2000.
Inflammatory bowel disease. American Gastroenterological Society website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=851 . Accessed July 20, 2008.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
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.
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