Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition in which there is chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or "bowel." It is one type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Another type of IBD is ulcerative colitis. While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, it occurs more commonly in the ileum (part of the small intestine) and colon (large intestine).
Most cases of Crohn’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 30, but it can affect people of any age group. Crohn’s disease isn’t usually fatal, but it can be a lifelong inconvenience. There is no definitive cure.
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unclear, although there is an autoimmune element. That means the body’s natural defenses, which are normally supposed to fight infection, think the intestine is foreign and attack the body’s own tissue, leading to inflammation. Autoimmune diseases run in families. About one-quarter of Crohn’s patients have relatives who also suffer from IBD.
It is also believed that a virus or bacteria may be involved, which may cause the initial damage to the lining of the GI tract. However, it is not yet known which organism might be involved.
While there is no cure, Crohn’s disease is treatable. Many medications can help control the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. These include:
A good diet is just as important as medications in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Not only are some foods gentler on an inflamed intestine, it’s also vital to get the right nutrition even when the gut isn’t processing food efficiently. The wrong diet can lead to weight loss and more symptoms. There are special high-calorie liquid supplements that can help. Your doctor will make recommendations on dietary requirements and may test certain vitamin levels in your blood every 1 to 2 years.
Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s can’t be completely cured by surgery. Removing an inflamed part of the colon may offer many symptom-free years, but eventually, inflammation recurs at the site where the two cut ends have been joined together, causing symptoms to appear again.
Surgery may involve removal of part of the colon or small intestine, removing the inflamed part in the middle and reattaching the loose ends. If the rectum is diseased, however, it is removed with the whole colon.
The small intestine is then attached to a hole created in the side of the abdomen, creating an ileostomy. If only a part of the colon has been removed and the remaining portion is attached to a hole created in the side of the abdomen, the opening is called a colostomy. Waste collects in an external pouch attached to these openings, and needs to be changed on a regular basis. These pouches can emit smells and noises. A person considering surgery must weigh the risks and benefits of surgery very carefully with their doctor, bearing in mind that it’s not always a complete solution but may be necessary in certain circumstances.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Crohns-Disease
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