What is
crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a condition in which there is inflammation of
the small intestine. It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),
a name for conditions that include inflammation of the large and
small intestines. The disease occurs commonly in people between
the ages of 20-40 years and equally in both sexes. Crohn's disease
is rare in India, but its incidence is increasing, unlike the
Western countries where it is fairly common.
How is it caused? The cause is not known. The most widely accepted explanation is
that the body's immune system becomes self destructive and attacks
its own cells. Another hypothesis is that the disease is caused by
the reaction of the digestive system to a foreign organism like a
bacterium or a virus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Crohn's disease are : * Abdominal pain and discomfort
* Diarrhoea
* Fatigue
* Weight loss
* Bleeding from the rectum
* Mild to moderate anaemia
* Fever
In advanced diseases, the ulcers in the intestine may perforate
resulting in stool leaking into the abdomen (peritonitis). There
may be localized collection of pus (abscess) between loops of
intestines.
How is it diagnosed?
The disease is diagnosed by a thorough physical examination and a
detailed medical history. Some laboratory tests may also be
required to confirm the diagnosis.
One method of detection is colonoscopy. In this procedure a
flexible telescope or colonoscope is passed through the anus into
the intestine to examine the inside of the intestine. This would
point out any inflammation or bleeding in the organ. Biopsy may be
taken from diseases areas. The laboratory tests may be done to
check for anaemia. This would indicate loss of blood from the body
and if rectal bleeding is present, the diagnosis can become
easier. Laboratory tests may also reveal an increased white blood
cell count which indicates infection.
An X-ray test called the Barium meal follow through is done.
Barium, a chalky white solution is given to the patient to drink.
This solution coats the lining of the intestine and makes any
swelling stand out in the X-ray.
What is the treatment? The treatment measures are temporary and the disease has to be
treated according to the most disturbing symptom at that time.
Combination treatment measures are used.
1. Drug therapy – corticosteroids are the most commonly used drugs
case of the disease. They help in reducing the inflammation. But
these drugs may have very serious side effects and may make an
individual more susceptible to infection. Prednisolone and
sulphasalazine are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are
stopped as soon as the symptoms settle.
2. Dietary modification – the diet may be modified to include less
fibre to decrease intestinal movement. The diet should be low in
fat and be supplemented with iron, folic acid, calcium and
vitamins.
3. Surgery – in case the condition is recurring, which it usually
is, surgery may be required. It may also be required because of
abscess or fistula formation.
In some cases the drugs may cause various side-effects. There may
be some weight gain, increased muscle weakness, increased blood
sugar and bone loss in some cases. There may also be weakness and
fatigue.
Infliximab may
prevent Crohn's disease recurrence
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