General Information About Crohn's Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing thickening, deep sores (ulcers), and inflammation.
Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon (large intestine) and its innermost lining. Crohn's disease, however, can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, penetrates all layers of the bowel wall, and creates skipped lesions (inflammation alternating with healthy tissue).
Symptoms include cramp-like abdominal pain that worsens after meals, diarrhea lasting for weeks (sometimes bloody), loss of appetite, involuntary weight loss, fever, and fissures or abscesses around the anus.
No. Because it is a systemic disease, it also manifests extra-intestinal symptoms; red eyes (uveitis), joint pain, large red skin rashes, and biliary tract obstructions can be seen.
Stool inflammation tests are requested. For a definitive diagnosis, Endoscopy and Colonoscopy are performed under anesthesia to visually inspect the condition of the bowel with cameras and to take a biopsy (tissue sample).
There is no cure that completely eradicates the disease. The goal is to suppress inflammation; corticosteroids and advanced biological drugs are used. In cases that do not respond to medication, the diseased section of the bowel is surgically resected (removed).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
