Crohn's disease is chronic disease that is one of the many inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease often runs in families as approximately 20 percent of all Crohn's patients have a family member with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The symptoms of Crohn's disease are similar to other inflammatory bowel diseases making diagnosis difficult. Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, treatments are available to help alleviate the gastrointestinal symptoms.
Inflammation
Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The inflammation can occur anywhere along the GI tract, but is most commonly seen in the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum, and the upper part of the large intestine, or colon. This is one feature that distinguishes Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis (UC), another inflammatory bowel disease, as UC only affects the colon.
The inflammation in the intestine usually involves all the layers of the intestinal wall, not only the outer layer. This deep inflammation is what causes many of the other GI symptoms.
Pain
The severe inflammation of the intestines can lead to the formation of ulcers, or open wounds. As digestive contents move through the GI tract and come into contact with the inflamed areas, it may cause abdominal pain and cramping.
Diarrhea
In response to the inflammation, the cells in the intestines release large amounts of water and salt. The colon is not able to absorb all the excess water and salt, which leads to the formation of diarrhea. Persistent diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Because Crohn's disease is a chronic disease, meaning it is ongoing, the patient will experience flare-ups of the disease. During these flare-ups the diarrhea may be so frequent that it is difficult to carry on with daily activities. The flare-ups, however, will be followed by periods of remission, during which the symptoms will dramatically decrease or even disappear.
Rectal Bleeding
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can affect the rectum and anus, the lowest parts of the gastrointestinal system. The persistent diarrhea can cause small tears, called fissures, in the lining of the anus. This can lead to bleeding of the rectum, especially during bowel movements.
Intestinal Blockage
One of the more severe gastrointestinal symptoms of Crohn's disease is the occurrence of an intestinal blockage. The inflammation of the intestinal wall causes scar tissue to form. As this scar tissue builds up, the passage through the intestines becomes narrower. When enough scar tissue forms or the inflammation is severe, the passage can become blocked. Additional symptoms of an intestinal blockage include cramping pain accompanied with vomiting.
