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About Gastroduodenal Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an illness of the digestive tract. The disease itself can affect any part of the digestive system, but it most commonly affects the stomach and intestines. One form of the disease is Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease. This type affects the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, which is called the duodenum.

  1. What is Crohn's?

    • Crohn's disease is a type of irritable bowel syndrome, which involves the body attacking itself. The body's digestive system relies on bacteria, which breaks down food and assists the intestine in absorbing nutrients. It is believed that the immune system sends disease-fighting white blood cells to attack the bacteria, believing it to be a foreign substance. The invading white blood cells inflame the intestinal wall, manifesting itself into Crohn's disease. Gastroduodenal Crohn's occurs when the white blood cells attack the walls of the stomach and duodenum.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of Gastroduodenal Crohn's include frequent nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Pain will also occur near the stomach and just below it, as the inflammation grows in the duodenum. While food is digested in the stomach, the resulting solids will cause pain as it passes through the duodenum and into the remaining intestine, resulting in cramping and gas. A person with Gastroduodenal Crohn's may also develop fever, as the inflammation may lead to abscesses and infection.

    Diagnosis

    • There is no diagnostic test that shows a positive or negative diagnosis of Gastroduodenal Crohn's. Doctors use a multi-faceted approach, examining laboratory tests, radiological tests and endoscopy. Blood work will show levels of bacteria in the bloodstream. Upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) exams, utilize barium to show obstructions, tears and inflammation. Doctors will also use sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies--where a camera is inserted into the bowel and through the intestine to find any abnormalities.

    Surgery

    • As Gastroduodenal Crohn's has no cure, doctors must treat the disease with multiple therapies. Some doctors will use surgery to remove the infected area. This is an invasive and costly procedure is typically the last resort for those affected.

    Medication

    • There are three classes of prescription medication that can treat an individual with Crohn's. The anti-inflammatory course is the first step in treatment. The aminosalicylate class can control inflammation in mild to moderate cases. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in severe cases. Immune suppressants are also prescribed, treating the inflammation by slowing the body's immune system. If the inflammation leads to the formation of abscesses, doctors will prescribe the antibiotic Cipro to clear the infection.

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