CROHN'S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms might be ignored initially but, if left untreated, it can cause following complications:

• Bowel obstruction

• Ulcers

• Anal fistula

• Anal fissures

• Malnutrition

A patient with Crohn’s disease may experience some or many of these symptoms and signs:

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Reduced appetite

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Blood in your stool

• Mouth sores

• Anal fistula

• Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts

• Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints

• Delayed growth or sexual development in children

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are unknown however there are certain factors that can trigger the disease or act as risk factors for its development.

• Immune reaction or any infection

• Heredity

• Family history

• Cigarette smoking

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS

• Dietary habits

Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease and mainstays of therapy are to decrease inflammation and keeps patients as comfortable as possible.. However, certain steps are advised to control its progression. These include:

• Diet changes

• Lifestyle modifications

• Supplementations

• Vaccination

• Corticosteroids to treat inflammation

• Immunobiologics