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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Crohn’s Disease?
- What Causes Crohn’s Disease?
- What are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
- What is the Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease?
- What can be the Complications of Crohn’s Disease?
- What is the Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
What is Crohn’s Disease?
It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease that results in inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in different parts of the digestive system in different people. This inflammation frequently extends into the deeper layers of the bowel, causing severe discomfort.
What Causes Crohn’s Disease?
The etiology of Crohn’s disease is still not clear. These factors play an essential role in the development of this condition:
- Immunocompromised host: It’s possible that a virus or bacteria causes Crohn’s disease, but scientists are yet to discover such a cause. When the immune system attempts to fight off the invading microbe, an aberrant immunological reaction causes the immune system to target digestive tract cells, which can aid in developing Crohn’s disease.
- Heredity: Genes may play an important role in making people susceptible to Crohn’s disease. However, it is not always necessary as most infected people don’t have a family history of the disease.
There are certain risk factors:
- Age: Most people with Crohn’s disease are diagnosed before they reach the age of 30.
- Cigarette smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many diseases, including Crohn’s disease.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications: These medicines can lead to bowel inflammation, exacerbating Crohn’s disease.
What are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Diarrhoea
- High body temperature
- Fatigue
- Pain in the abdomen
- Blood in stool
- Oral ulcers
- Reduced appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Anal fistula
- Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints
- Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
- Kidney stones
- Shortness of breath
- Anemia
- Delayed growth or sexual development in children
What is the Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease?
Lab tests and procedures include:
- Blood tests to look for specific indicators of potential problems, such as inflammation and anemia.
- Stool test to detect blood in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Endoscope, a lighted, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth to better understand the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Colonoscopy to examine the large bowel.
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- A biopsy can be taken during an endoscopy or colonoscopy to look closely at the intestinal tract tissue.
What can be the Complications of Crohn’s Disease?
- Bowel obstruction- Crohn’s disease can alter the entire gut wall thickness. Parts of the gut might scar and constrict with time, obstructing the movement of digestive materials.
- Ulcers- Chronic inflammation can cause open sores (ulcers) throughout the digestive tract, including the mouth and anus and genital area.
- Anal fissure-A minor break in the skin around the anus can lead to infection. It is generally related to uncomfortable bowel motion.
- Fistula- Ulcers can sometimes spread through the intestinal wall, resulting in a fistula, an unnatural connection between two bodily regions. The most frequent fistula type develops at or around the anal region (perianal).
- Colon cancer Crohn’s disease increases the risk of getting colon cancer.
- Blood clots- Crohn’s disease increases the risk of blood clots in veins and arteries.
- Malnutrition- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and cramping make it challenging to eat and absorb enough nutrients, which can cause anaemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency.
What is the Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease has no known cure, and there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Symptomatic treatment is the only treatment available yet.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used as the first line of defence against inflammatory bowel disease. These medicines include corticosteroids.
- Immunosuppressors: To reduce inflammation and calm down the overactive immune system.
- Antibiotics: To fight against bacterial infection.
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pain relievers
- Anti-diarrhoeal drugs
If diet and lifestyle changes, medications and supplements don’t work out, surgery is recommended in which the damaged part of the intestine is removed.
