Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic and serious inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the lower intestines. The disease is also sometimes referred to as ileitis, regional enteritis, or Crohn's colitis. Gastroenterologists may use one of these terms to differentiate the portion of the bowel that is affected by the disease.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation in the bowel resulting from immune system malfunction. Research indicates that in people with Crohn's disease, the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from invading substances, actually mistakes some bacteria and other organisms normally found in the intestines for foreign invaders. The body then sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines to fight these so-called invaders. This overproduction of white blood cells results in the inflammation of the intestines. Prolonged inflammation can lead to ulcerations and injury to portions of the bowel.

Although Crohn's disease is a chronic condition, many people diagnosed with Crohn's disease are able to lead active, productive lives. In fact, more than 500,000 Americans have Crohn's disease.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease
Why do people get Crohn's disease?
Diagnosis

Symptoms of Crohn's disease

The most common initial symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. Pain usually arises at or below the navel, often in the lower right portion of the abdomen. These symptoms may show up after meals. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Anal skin tags
• Fistulas

Talk to your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial in getting the right treatment.

Every Crohn's patient's condition differs in some way, but severity and frequency of symptoms are the most common factors. Crohn's symptoms can be frequent or rare, mild, or severe. For some people with severe symptoms, the disease can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. Other people may experience long bouts of remission in which they experience periods of no symptoms or very few symptoms.

Why do people get Crohn's disease?

That's a good question and one that scientists are still trying to answer. However, at this time, studies indicate that there may be several factors that may contribute to the inflammation of Crohn's disease. These factors include: genetics, abnormal immune response, and something in the environment.

Diagnosis

Dealing with any health problem can be emotionally and physically stressful, but the sooner Crohn's disease is diagnosed, the better chance you have to control its symptoms and minimize your discomfort. Crohn's disease is chronic, which means it can progress over time. Although there is no cure for Crohn's disease, effective treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms. An accurate professional diagnosis is the first step in your treatment for Crohn's disease.

There are a number of diagnostic tests that can help your gastroenterologist determine whether you have Crohn's disease. First, he or she will discuss your symptoms, talk about your medical history, and then decide what types of tests may be necessary to diagnose Crohn's disease.

It's also important for the gastroenterologist to rule out other conditions since they may produce similar symptoms. Other conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcerative colitis, may also cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. However, conditions such as ulcerative colitis or "irritable bowel syndrome" are not the same as Crohn's disease. Your gastroenterologist can make that determination by utilizing the appropriate diagnostic procedures.

Getting a physical

The first thing your gastroenterologist will do is perform a physical examination. This may include a closer look at two areas of your body. In the first area, the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, he or she will try to determine if there is any tenderness or any inflammatory masses present.

The second area is called the anorectal area. Your gastroenterologist will look in this area for any signs of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, or thick, mound-like, tender areas, and in women, signs of fistulas located between the vagina and the rectum. In addition, some people with Crohn's disease have a very constricted rectal opening that is so narrow that a physician is unable to insert a finger.

Diagnostic tests

The tests used by gastroenterologists to diagnose Crohn's disease include:

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Radiologic tests
• Endoscopic tests of the upper or lower GI tract (performed by inserting an endoscope, or thin, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and video monitor, into the rectum, mouth, or a small abdominal incision)

To learn more about these diagnostic tests, visit www.livingwithcrohnsdisease.com.

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