Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease can be painful and debilitating. It can also cause serious complications that are life-threatening. Twenty percent of Crohn's disease cases involve children. There is no cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment aims to reduce signs and symptoms.
Symptoms
A child with Crohn's disease may go through periods of remission where he does not have any signs or symptoms. When the disease is active, symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, ulcers and weight loss. MayoClinic.com states that inflammation caused by Crohn's disease causes the intestines to create large amounts of water and salt. Because the colon cannot absorb the excess fluid, diarrhea occurs. Food that moves through the intestines can cause the inflamed parts of the intestines to bleed, which might cause bright red blood or dark brown blood to be mixed with stool. Small sores on the intestine can form. Small sores may lead to larger ulcers that penetrate into the intestinal wall. Because of these complications, abdominal pain and cramping occur. Severe pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Fever, fatigue, arthritis, eye inflammation and inflammation can also occur, especially in severe cases.
Causes
Cincinnati Children's states that there is no known cause of Crohn's disease. Researchers suspect that problems with immune system and heredity may play a part in the development of the disease. Mayoclinic.com states investigators believe some children have abnormal immune response to normal bacteria that live in the intestine, which causes the development of Crohn's disease. Scientists state that a mutation in a specific gene occurs frequently in children diagnosed with the disease.
Diagnosis
Blood tests are done to check for anemia and to test for signs of infection. Blood tests that look for antibodies can help diagnose Crohn's disease; however, not every child with the disease will have antibodies. Stool samples are tested for blood. A procedure called a sigmoidoscopy is often performed to view the last section of the child's colon. Barium enemas are also used to evaluate the intestine through X-ray. The barium dye coats the lining of the intestine, so it is visible on an X-ray.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location of inflammation in the bowel, amount of inflammation present and problems the disease is causing. Medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, corticosteroids and drugs that suppress the immune system can help decrease symptoms. A drug called Infiximab, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is given through a vein when other medications have failed. Eliminating certain foods, including alcohol, milk and spicy foods may help; however, no specific diet has proven effective in treating Crohn's. Surgery to remove the parts of the bowel affected by Crohn's disease will not cure the disease but may make symptoms better.
Short Bowel Syndrome
Some children who have surgery to remove part of the intestine develop short bowel syndrome. A child who develops short bowel syndrome does not absorb the nutrients from food eaten. Symptoms of short bowel syndrome include diarrhea, weight loss, poor growth, dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. Some children with short bowel syndrome may need to be fed through vein to prevent malnutrition.
