Crohn's Disease – Regional enteritis

Crohn’s Disease (CD; Regional Enteritis)

Description of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease usually affects the end part of the small intestine (ileum). Nonetheless, Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.

The causes of Crohn's disease

The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Inflammatory bowel disease (eg, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), perhaps inherited. Some researchers believe, Crohn's disease that occurs due to the reaction to the virus or bacteria. The immune system overreacts and causes damage to the intestines.

Risk factors for Crohn's disease

Factors, that may increase the risk of Crohn's disease include:

• The presence of family members with inflammatory bowel disease;
• Nationality: Jews;
• A diet high in fat, sugar and meats.

Symptoms of Crohn's disease

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea;
• Cramping and abdominal pain;
• Bleeding from the rectum;
• Weight loss;
• Fatigue, weakness;
• Nausea;
• Fever;
• Oral ulcers;
• Wounds, abscesses in the anal area.

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Analysis of fluids and waste products of the body. For this purpose, applied:
  • Blood tests;
  • Fecal;
• To take pictures of internal organs, the following tests:
  • Barium porridge (Radiopaque barium study);
  • Barium enema;
• Conduct a survey of the rectum and colon, Why apply:
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy;
  • Colonoscopy;
• For the sampling of tissue colon biopsies performed.

If you are diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Treatment of Crohn's disease

Methods of treatment of Crohn's disease include:

Changes in eating patterns

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain foods, which cause the symptoms of Crohn's disease. These foods are different for each person. They may include:

• Dairy – because of lactose intolerance;
• Very fatty foods;
• Foods high in fiber.

Medication

There are a number of drugs, that may be prescribed for Crohn's disease:

• Aminosalicilaty – such, like sulfasalazine, mesalamïn, olsalazïn;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide;
• Modifikatorы immunniteta – such as azathioprine, 6-merkaptopurin, methotrexate;
• Inhibitors of TNF – such, how infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, tsertolyzumab, golimumaʙ;
• Antibiotics – takie <br> metronidazol, ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin.

The operation for the treatment of Crohn's disease

Very severe cases of Crohn's disease can not be treated with drugs. In some cases, the physician may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine. The other ends are then joined together. However, there is still a high risk of relapse.

Operation can also be made, if as a result of the disease occurred obstruction or fistulas.

If Crohn's disease is not treated, it may cause other diseases and disorders:

• CVIS – abnormal connection between the intestine and other organs or tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin;
• Ileus;
• Arthritis;
• Inflammation of the eye;
• Liver disease;
• Stones in the kidneys;
• Gallstones;
• Skin rashes;
• Osteoporosis.

Prevention of Crohn's disease

At the moment, there are no methods for prevention of Crohn's disease, because the unknown cause of its occurrence.