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Crohn’s disease causes symptoms treatment 

Description of Crohn’s disease

According to dictionary definition  Definition of Crohn €™s diseaseAccording to dictionary definition  Crohn €™s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease commonly affecting the end of the small intestine but can affect the entire digestive tract in patches.  Causes and Risk Factors of Crohn €™s diseaseAccording to dictionary definition  The exact cause of this disease is unknown but following factors might play a role in the development of CD:1. Heredity2. Immunity3. Smoking4. Environmental factors: Poor domestic hygiene5. History of removal of appendix (appendicectomy) in childhood  Signs and Symptoms   of Crohn €™s diseaseAccording to dictionary definition  Early symptoms include:1. Diarrhea: Since the intestinal lining is inflamed and ulcerated, its ability to adequately process food and waste or absorb water is lost, resulting in diarrhea.2. Pain in abdomen3. Low-grade fever4. Nausea5. Vomiting6. Lethargy7. Loss of appetite
Late symptoms include:1. Unexplained weight loss2. Feeling unwell (malaise)3. Blood in stool: Inflammation leads to the formation of small sores (ulcers) in the colon and rectum. These ulcers may join and become large ulcers that bleed, resulting in bloody stools.  InvestigationsAccording to dictionary definition  1. Diagnosis: Complete blood count, liver function test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and stool culture to rule out an infectious cause of diarrhea. A special test called the p-ASCA (p-anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies) test is done to confirm CD and differentiate it from ulcerative colitis.2. Imaging: Barium follow-through is done to visualize the lesions; colonoscopy can be done if colon involvement is suspected. High-resolution ultrasound and spiral CT scan may also be done.  Treatments of Crohn €™s diseaseAccording to dictionary definition  The main goals of medical treatment are to first achieve remission (the absence of symptoms) and then to maintain remission (prevent flare-ups of symptoms). There is no standard treatment for all patients; a plan is tailor-made for every individual case.Following medicines are used during the treatment:1. Aminosalicylates: These drugs decrease inflammation in the wall of the intestine and are effective in treating mild-to-moderate episodes of CD and preventing relapses and maintaining remission, e.g., mesalamine, balsalazide, etc.2. Corticosteroids: These medicines are used to control short-term flare-ups, e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, etc.3. Immunomodulators: These medicines are commonly used to maintain remission in people unresponsive to other medicines.4. Antibiotics: Like ciprofloxacin and metronidazole have limited benefit. They are used in CD affecting the colon or area around the anus.5. Biologic therapies: These novel agents are indicated for people with moderate to severe active disease who have not responded well to conventional therapy, e.g., golimumab, infliximab, etc.  Complications and When Should You See a DoctorAccording to dictionary definition  Complications of CD include:1. Malabsorption and malnutrition2. Weight loss and anemia3. Fistula, i.e., a connecting path between the intestine and another organ, or to the skin surface4. Stricture in intestine leading to an intestinal blockage5. Abscess in the abdomen, pelvis, or around the anal area6. Perforated bowelComplications outside the GI tract like redness, itching and pain in eyes, mouth sore, pain and swelling of joints, osteoporosis, etc. may occur in later stages of the condition. See a doctor immediately if you start showing any of the symptoms of this disease, earlier the better.  Prognosis and PreventionAccording to dictionary definition  Patients with CD can lead full and productive lives. When the disease is active it has a significant impact on patient €™s quality of life due to flare-ups and complications.The exact cause of the disease is not known hence it is difficult to prevent it, but certain lifestyle changes like reducing stress, not smoking, limiting insoluble fiber during active phase, limiting dairy and fat intake, eating small meals, taking nutritional supplements can help in managing the disease better.