Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is part of the general disease state known as inflammatory bowel disease, as the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains. The inflammation of the digestive tract can cause ulcers and damage to all layers of the intestines, usually resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms may vary in each individual depending on the severity of the disease. In Crohn's disease, the cells of the affected areas excrete excess water and salts and therefore diarrhea is often one of the most common symptoms. Abdominal pain and cramping is also common, due to the inflammation and decreased movement of the digestive tract. Nausea and vomiting can occur, which can result in reduced appetite and weight loss. Blood in the stool and ulcers are also possible if tissue is damaged. Skin disorders, eye inflammation, arthritis, fever, fatigue, and delayed growth can also occur.
Complications
Crohn's disease is known to cause other complications, according to MayoClinic.com. The chronic inflammation can lead to ulcerations, or open sores, along the digestive tract. Bowel obstructions can occur when the digestive tract becomes blocked with thickened tissue, or when the inflamed space becomes too narrow for any contents to pass through. Occasionally a fistula can form, which is a condition in which an ulcer actually becomes a hole in the intestinal wall. This can cause contents of the digestive tract to travel to the wrong area, which can then cause infections and even death if not treated. Diarrhea and poor appetite can lead to malnutrition or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Diagnosis
According to MayoClinic.com, Crohn's disease is hard to diagnose and is therefore often diagnosed by first ruling out other conditions, such as infection, colon cancer, or irritable bowel syndrome. Patients often have blood tests to see whether anemia or an elevated white blood cell count are present. A stool sample is often examined to see if any blood or infection is present. Various imaging tests can be done, including CT and x-ray, to check for abnormalities in the GI tract. Sometimes these tests reveal the narrowing and inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease. Sometimes doctors also take a tissue sample for examination.
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of treating the inflammation that causes the symptoms of the disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually tried first. Doctors also sometimes prescribe medications that suppress the immune response, which also leads to decreased inflammation. Antibiotics may be used if infection is present. Other medications, such as antidiarrheals, laxatives and pain relievers, are other options to treat the varying symptoms of abdominal distress. Drug treatment for Crohn's disease is often a process of trial and error until the right medication is found.
Risk Factors and Prevention
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, there is no known cause for Crohn's disease. One theory is that the immune system reacts differently in Crohn's disease sufferers and the digestive tract considers food, bacteria and other substances to be foreign invaders.
Some information, however, is known. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, about 20 to 25 percent of Crohn's patients have a family member with one form of irritable bowel disease. Caucasians and those of Jewish decent have the highest risk of developing the disease, although it can affect any population. Preventing the disease is not always possible, but certain risk factors are known, such as smoking, using Accutane, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoiding these can help lower patients' risk of developing Crohn's disease.
