Crohn’s Disease

There has been no specific cause identified for Crohn’s Disease. The possible causes of Crohn’s Disease are as follows:

• Genetic: genes have a role to play in the causation of this disease. But there have also been many cases in which people who have Crohn’s disease didn’t have a family member who had so.
• Immune System: The immune system also has a role to play in the causation of the Crohn’s disease. It is deduced from a thought that the disease might be triggered due to the presence of a particular bacteria or virus.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

The symptoms of this disease can be mild or can be even severe. However, some of the common symptoms of the disease when it is active include a diarrhoea, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, presence of blood in stool, reduction of appetite, mouth sores, fistula and loss of weight. There are some other symptoms too. These include inflammation in various parts of the body. Inflammation can occur near the eyes or even in the region of joints. Inflammation also occurs in the bile ducts and liver. In children, there is often a delay in sexual development and growth.

Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

• Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by doctors for treating Crohn’s Disease. These include corticosteroids like budesonide and predisone and also oral 5-aminosalicylates
• Immune system suppressors are also prescribed and they help in reducing the inflammation. These include Azathioprine, Infliximab, mercaptopurine, adalimumab, etc..
• Antibiotics are also recommended since they have the capability of reducing fistulas and also help in activating the immune system of the digestive tract.
• Since diarrhoea like condition develops in this disease anti-diarrheals are also useful
• Iron supplements and vitamin B-12 shots are also given.
• In extreme conditions, surgery can be opted to remove the damaged portion of the digestive tract.
• Changing the dietary habits, and cutting off smoking habits are also helpful.

Complications of Crohn’s Disease

• Fistulas are one of the major complications involved with the Crohn’s disease.
• The thickness of the intestinal wall gets altered thus leading to bowel obstruction.
• Ulcers are also common.
• The painful movements of bowel often lead to anal fissure.
• Colon cancer is also one of the complications.