Crohn's Disease FAQs

Crohn's disease is a condition which causes inflammation in portions of a person's digestive tract. Named for the doctor that first described the ailment Crohn's disease is what is called an inflammatory bowel disease. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is not known but the feeling in the scientific community is that it is brought about by an immune system problem and is associated with a genetic link as 20 percent of the people with Crohn's have a close relative that also has the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

• Diarrhea is one of the most frequently seen signs of Crohn's disease as the ailment makes the intestines secrete large volumes of water that cannot be entirely absorbed, resulting in loose stools. Intense cramping in the intestinal region is common with abdominal pain a classic symptom of Crohn's disease. Portions of the wall of a person's bowel are affected by inflammation and ulcers when Crohn's is present, with tiny sores developing on the intestines and sometimes even in the person's mouth. Blood in the person's stool is possible, along with loss of appetite and potential weight loss.

What is a Fistula?

• The inflammation that Crohn's disease precipitates can make its way through the walls of the intestines and into organs such as the bladder. When this occurs, it can form an abnormal tunnel-like structure known as a fistula. Fistulas can burrow out through the person's skin, usually in the area of the anus. Abscesses typically will develop that fill with pus and often drain out from openings in the fistula.

What Risk Factors can Lead to Crohn's Disease?

• The illness affects men and women equally and can strike any age group. However it usually begin to manifest itself when the person is between 20 and 30 years of age. Caucasians have the highest incidence of Crohn's disease, but any race or ethnic group can come down with it. A family history of Crohn's increases a person's risk and Crohn's seems linked somehow to urban environments. Smokers are more susceptible to Crohn's disease than those people who do not smoke.

How is Crohn's Disease Diagnosed?

• Blood tests that detect a specific antibody, anemia and certain infections can aid in diagnosing Crohn's disease. Tests such as a colonoscopy are extremely useful when it comes to identifying this intestinal malady. The intestine can be examined by a colonoscopy as well as a flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, small bowel X-ray, and a CT scan. These tests can reveal the presence of ulcers on the intestinal wall and inflammation that can lead to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Can Crohn's Disease be Treated?

• Crohn's cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully in most instances. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Mesalamine are used to reduce inflamed intestines. Immune system suppressors such as Remicade have been utilized to keep the immune system in check, which then brings a reduction in Crohn's symptoms. Antibiotics like Flagyl can bring healing to the abscesses and fistulas that can develop in a Crohn's patient. Symptoms of the illness can be helped by such medications as laxatives, anti-diarrheal drugs, pain killers and iron supplements. Surgery is another treatment option for Crohn's and it's often possible to operate and remove diseased portions of the intestines to provide relief, but the disease frequently will recur near the site of the surgery.