Dangers of Crohn's Disease

Dangers of Crohn's Disease - Symptoms and Treatment

Crohn's disease, which is often misspelled Chron's disease or Cron's disease, is an inflammatory disorder that can cause danger in any area of the digestive tract. However, Chron's disease most often strikes the ilium, which is an area of the small intestine. Inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. Typically, this inflammation causes discomfort and pain, and may also trigger diarrhea. It is also known as ileitis or enteritis.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease are similar to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. For this reason, it can be difficult to diagnose.

Crohn’s disease affects both men and women, and may have a genetic component since it often appears in members of the same family. One person in five who has Crohn's disease will have a blood relative who also has some form of bowel or colon disorder.

Unlike many other disorders of the digestive system, Crohn's disease tends to appear in younger adults, usually between the ages of 20 and 30. Persons of Jewish ancestry have a higher risk of getting Crohn's disease, while African Americans seem to have a lower risk.

Causes of Crohn’s disease

Researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of Crohn's disease, but a number of theories exist.

It may be caused by a malfunction of the immune system, in which food and bacteria are treated as potentially dangerous foreign substances. Consequently, the immune system attacks what it perceives as "invaders." There is a build up of white blood cells in the affected organ, which causes inflammation. This inflammation then leads to ulceration and damage.

Symptoms

Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, especially in the lower right area, are the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease. These may be accompanied by

• arthritis,
• skin problems,
• weight loss, and
• rectal bleeding.
• Bleeding may be persistent, and could even lead to anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may be prone to developmental delays and stunted growth.

Diagnosis

As mentioned above, symptoms are similar to several other disorders of the digestive system, so diagnosis can be difficult. A doctor will do a physical exam and take a family history. Tests for anemia will probably be performed, since anemia can be the result of intestinal bleeding. If there is a high white cell count, it could indicate an infection or inflammation somewhere in the body.

A sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy will reveal inflamed or infected areas of the intestines and colon. A biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope, can be extremely helpful.

Dangers of Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease can be dangerous to overall health because it may cause a blockage in the intestines. This occurs because the inflammation or infection causes scarring and swelling.

Crohn’s disease may also cause sores or ulcers that pierce the intestines and affect other organs. These "tunnels" are called "fistulas," and may require surgery.

There can also be nutritional complications since the body may not be able to effectively absorb the food it needs.

Other complications could include inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or other diseases of the liver and biliary system.

Treatment

There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, and someone who has it may need medical care for an extended period of time, including regular doctor visits and monitoring.

The most effective way to treat it is to reduce the inflammation or infection that causes it. This may require medications, nutritional supplements, surgery, or a combination of any or all of these possibilities.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease largely depends on the severity of and location of the inflammation or infection.

Crohn's disease usually recurs a number of times during the course of a person’s life. There may be periods of remission, sometimes stretching to years, when the sufferer is free of symptoms. Predicting reoccurrence is difficult if not impossible.

About 70 percent of people afflicted with Crohn's will need surgery at some time. Surgery, however, doesn't always eliminate the disease, and recurrences following surgery sometimes happen.

Crohn's and Pregnancy

Research indicates that Crohn's doesn't usually cause complications during pregnancy. It should be noted once again, however, that this disease tends to run in families. So a woman contemplating pregnancy should discuss the matter with her doctor. As mentioned above, children with Crohn's may suffer slowed growth and delayed development.

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Breakthrough Crohn's Disease Guide 

by Sharon Dobson