Crohn's disease (IBD) DRAFT
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What is Crohn's disease?
In Crohn's disease, inflammation is often located at the junction between the last part of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. But the disease can also be present in other places in the small and/or large intestine.
Crohn's disease is related to ulcerative colitis, yet there are distinct differences.
Symptoms
The disease has a variable course. Periods with symptoms and disease activity alternate with periods with no symptoms and little disease activity.
The following symptoms may occur:
- Diarrhea (often with mucus and/or blood)
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
Additional symptoms may include:
- Fever
- False bowel urge
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue
As inflammation can penetrate deeper into the intestinal wall, strictures of the bowel and anal fistulae may develop.
Cause
Crohn's disease may be hereditary. In addition, an imbalance of intestinal flora may be to blame. Environmental factors such as smoking and a "Western" diet can also lead to Crohn's disease.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on your pattern of symptoms and additional tests. Usually a colonoscopy is performed in which a biopsy of the bowel is also taken. Sometimes an additional gastroscopy or abdominal scan is required.
Treatment
Which treatment is most appropriate depends from person to person. This depends on age and the severity of the inflammation. Whether or not a stricture, fistula or abscess is present and whether or not other organs are involved also affect treatment.
Possible treatment may include medication where a choice can be made between medication to treat a short-term attack and/or medication to keep symptoms and inflammation away in the long term.
Longer, chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall can cause narrowing due to inflammation and scarring. This can cause intestinal contents to no longer be able to pass smoothly through the intestine. In this case, surgery is needed to remove the narrowing. Often this can be done through laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
Aftercare
To evaluate whether the treatment was successful, you will need to visit the doctor at regular intervals. Additional tests may be performed for monitoring.