Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation occurs in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Current research points to heredity and a malfunctioning immune system as causes in the development of this painful and debilitating disease. The inflammation spreads deep into the lining of these organs and interferes with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Diarrhea
The large intestine absorbs fluid and electrolytes from digested food, forms and stores feces and contains microbes that produce enzymes needed to breakdown fiber. Referencing the "Textbook and Atlas of Gastroenterology," disease confined to the large intestines presents in 25 percent of patients. In the presence of Crohn’s disease, the inflamed bowel secretes large amounts of water and salt. According to the Mayo Clinic, the colon or large intestine cannot completely absorb the extra fluid and electrolytes. The result is diarrhea, which is the most common symptom of Crohn’s disease. With colonic involvement, diarrhea is of small volume and associated with urgency and the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowels.
Strictures
The chronic inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease causes scarring of healthy intestinal tissue. Rarely, the scarring results in strictures or narrowing of the large intestine. MedicineNet differentiates the symptoms by the degree of the stricture. If the stricture impedes the normal passage of feces, a person experiences abdominal pain, cramps and bloating. If the stricture causes an obstruction, a person experiences more severe pain, nausea, vomiting and is unable to pass stool.
Perforation
Obstruction-causing strictures can lead to perforation of the large intestine. The strength of the colonic contractions must increase to pass the feces through the narrow segments in the colon. The increased pressure weakens the intestinal wall and can cause a rupture or perforation. Complications of a perforation of the large intestine include peritonitis, which is a serious infection in the abdominal cavity, and the formation of abscesses. Perforation creates a tract or passageway outside of the intestinal wall. A fistula forms within this tract. According to MedicineNet.com, fistulas are common in Crohn’s disease.
References
- Textbook and Atlas of Gastroenterology on CD-Rom Tadataka Yamada, M.D. et al
- MedicineNet.com: Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems
- MayoClinic.com: Crohn’s Disease
