CROHN’S DISEASE

Alison Cunliffe

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines Causes ulcerations, breaks in the lining, of

the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere form the mouth to the anus.

Immune system abnormally activated in the absence of any known invader

Caused by…

The cause is unknown Some scientists suspect that infection

from certain bacteria may cause the disease No convincing evidence that the disease is

caused by infection

Symptoms

Abdominal pain Diarrhea Weight loss

Less common Poor appetite Fever Night sweats Rectal pain Rectal bleeding

The symptoms all depend of the location, extent and severity of the inflammation.

Complications

Intestinal Obstruction and perforation of small

intestine (rare and requires surgery) Abscesses Intestinal bleeding

Also involves the skin, joints, spine, eyes, liver, and bile ducts.

Treatment

Patients with mild or no symptoms may not need treatment Also, patients in remission may not need

treatment No medication can cure Crohn’s disease Doctors prescribe medication to

1) induce remission 2) maintain remission 3) minimize side effects of treatment 4)improve quality of life

Medication Anti inflammatory agents

antibiotics

Tests

Blood test Barium x-ray Colonoscopy Computerized axial tomography Endoscopy

Prognosis

Chronic No prevention

Genetic in origin