An Overview Of Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Crohn's Disease is one of the major types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, generally causing abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, along with weight loss. Although it can affect any part of the entire gastro-intestinal tract, in most cases, it starts in the terminal ileum, the part of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine.

There is currently no cure for Crohn's Disease, although it can be managed through medications to suppress infections and reduce inflammation. After initial remission, the symptoms can be controlled further through diet and lifestyle changes, and medicines to prevent relapse. In cases where complications arise, surgery may also be necessary to fix blockages in the intestines.

Symptoms

Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease proves difficult, for many of those suffering from it have subtle symptoms for years, before a definitive diagnosis can be made.

• Initial symptoms may comprise of Abdominal Pain, often accompanied by diarrhea, and increased bowel movements, which may occasionally contain blood.


• Vomiting and nausea can occur in cases of severe intestinal blockage.


• Discomfort in the anal area and fecal incontinence can be present.


• A marked decrease in food intake leading to weight loss may also be indicative.

Further, Crohn's disease can also cause inflammation in other parts of the body. For example, inflammation can occur in parts of eye, which can lead to loss of vision if untreated. Crohn's disease may also cause arthritis in certain joints, skin lesions, blood clots, osteoporosis and even neurological complications.

Cause

Currently, the exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, although the most likely explanation seems to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

• Research indicates that those with a sibling who has the disease are 30 times more likely to develop the condition.


• Diet may also be linked, as people with more animal protein in their diets have a higher risk of contracting Crohn's disease.


• Smoking increases chances of the relapse of symptoms, after the initial remission. Patients are generally advised to stop smoking completely.


• An impaired immune system may play a part.


• Microbes, particularly bacteria of different kinds, may also be linked to the disease, although the exact nature of this is still unclear.

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease can, at times, prove difficult, and a definitive diagnosis may not be possible even after conducting multiple tests. A colonoscopy, along with capsule endoscopy if required, is the most effective method for diagnosis. A biopsy, done during the procedure, should help confirm the disease. In certain cases, radiologic scans may provide a better view of the small intestine and possible inflammations. In patients with mild symptoms, or those in the early stages of the disease, multiphase white blood scans have been effective in indicating the location of the disease.

It is important in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease to make sure it is not being confused with Ulcerative Colitis, which is the other major type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and closely resembles Crohn's Disease. The symptoms can be very similar, but the distinction is important, because the treatment that follows can be very different. There are times, although, where differentiation is impossible, in which case the disease is referred to as indeterminate colitis.

Treatment

Treatment of Crohn's disease mainly consists of treating the symptoms upon their resurgence. After initial symptoms have subsided, treatment mainly involves maintaining and prolonging the remission. Medications are used mainly to reduce inflammation caused by the disease, along with prevention of infection. Surgery may be required in some cases, for example, to remove blockages and obstructions.

Some diets have also been known to help with Crohn's disease. Patients are also advised to quit smoking, as the activity is known to exacerbate symptoms.

If your near and dear one has been diagnosed with these conditions, Asacol HD is a drug which can be suitably administered for controlling both of these. However, it's better to seek medical guidance before the inception of treatment.