Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It affects the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus and can cause ulcers and other health problems. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, states that the cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but a common theory is Crohn's disease results from abnormalities in the function of the immune system. Forms of Crohn's disease include ileocolitis, ileitis, gastroduodenal, jejunoileitis and colitis. Symptoms and potential complications of the disease depend on the intestines and the type of Crohn's disease.
Ileocolitis
The most common form of Crohn's disease is Ileocolitis, which affects the ileum and colon. The ileum is the lowest portion of the small intestine. Ileocolitis causes nausea, cramps, bloody stools and weight loss. Inflammation of the ileum and colon begins small and gradually grows, extending to possible ulcerations and thickened bowel walls, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Ileitis
Ileitis affects only the ileum, unlike ileocolitis, which affects both the ileum and colon. Complications of Ileitis include inflammatory abscesses in the abdomen and fistulas. Inflammation and symptoms range from mild to severe and flare-up may come and go, The New York Times Health Guide says.
Gastroduodenal
Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease affects the first part of the small intestine, otherwise known as the duodenum, as well as the stomach. Complications of gastroduodenal include obstructed segments of the bowel and vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. In severe cases, gastric outlet obstruction and gastrointestinal blood loss may occur.
Jejunoileitis
Jejunoileitis Crohn's affects the upper half of the small intestines, called the jejunum, and inflames the area. Fistulas may form, and symptoms include diarrhea, cramps and abdominal pain. Malnutrition may occur because food may not be absorbed through the intestines, and intestinal obstruction may result. Malnutrition generally does not develop unless the disease lasts a long time and may include protein, calories and vitamin deficiencies, states the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
Crohn's Colitis
Crohn's colitis affects the colon and commonly causes joint pain and skin lesions. Symptoms of this type of Crohn's disease include abscesses and ulcers around the anus, rectal bleeding and persistent diarrhea. Deep ulcers may form from Crohn's colitis and lead to infections in the abdominal cavity and puncture holes in the bowel walls. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but treatments include diet and nutrition, medications and bowel surgery to treat the affected areas.
