Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic,  recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract.  The intestinal tract has four major parts; the esophagus or food tube; the stomach, where food is churned and digested; the long, small bowel, where nutrients, calories and vitamins are absorbed and the colon and rectum, where water is absorbed and stool is stored. The two primary sites for Crohn’s disease are the ileum, which is the last portion of the small bowel (ileitis, regional enteritis) and the colon (Crohn’s colitis). The condition begins as small, microscopic nests of inflammation which persist and smolder. The lining of the bowel can then become ulcerated and the bowel wall thickened. Eventually, the bowel may become narrowed or obstructed and surgery would be needed.

What Causes Crohn’s disease?

There is now evidence of a genetic link as Crohn’s frequently shows up in a family group. In addition, there is evidence that the normal bacteria that grow in the lower gut may, in some manner, act to promote inflammation. The body’s immune system, which protects it against many different infections, is known to be a factory. There are still a number of unknowns about the cause of the disease. Fortunately, a great deal is known about the disease and especially its treatment.

Who develops Crohn’s Disease?

The condition occurs in both sexes and among all age groups, although its most frequently begins in young people. Jewish people are at increased risk of developing Crohn’s, while African Americans are at decreased risk, which speaks to the genetic link in this disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease depend on where in the intestinal tract the disorder appears. When the ileum (ileitis) is involved, recurrent pain may be experienced in the right lower abdomen. At times, pain mimics acute appendicitis. When the colon is the site, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) may occur, along with fever and weight loss. Crohn’s disease often affects the anal area where there may be a draining sinus tract called a fistula. When the disease is active, fatigue and lethargy appear. In children and adolescents there may be difficulty gaining or maintaining weight.

Diagnosis

There is no one conclusive diagnostic test for Crohn’s disease. The patient’s medical history and physical exam are always helpful. Certain blood and stool tests are performed to arrive at a diagnosis. X-rays of the small intestine and colon (obtained through an upper GI series and barium enema) are usually required. In addition, a visual examination (sigmoidoscopy) of the lining of the rectum and lower bowel is usually necessary. A more thorough exam of the entire colon (colonoscopy) is often the best way of diagnosing the problem when the disease is in the colon.

Course and Complications

The disorder often remains quiet and easily controlled  for long periods of time. Most people with Crohn’s disease continue to pursue their goals in life, go to school, marry, have a family and work with few limitations or inconveniences. Some problems, outside the bowel, can occur. Arthritis, eye and skin problems and in rare instances, chronic liver conditions may develop. As noted, the disease can occur around the anal canal. Open sores called fissures can develop, which are painful. A fistula can also form. This is a tiny channel that burrows from the rectum to the skin around the anus. In addition, when inflammation persists in the ileum or colon, narrowing and partial obstruction may occur. Surgery is usually required to treat this problem. When Crohn’s disease has been present for many years there is an increased risk of cancer.

Treatment

Effective medical and surgical treatment is available for Crohn’s disease. It is particularly important to maintain good nutrition and health with a balanced diet, adequate exercise and a positive upbeat attitude.

Five types of medications are available to treat this disease:

1. Cortisone or Steroids: these powerful drugs provide highly effective results. A large dose is often used initially to bring the disorder under quick control when the disease is severe. The drug is then tapered to a low maintenance dose, perhaps taken just every other day. Hopefully, the drug may eventually be stopped altogether. This medicine is administered by pill or enema. Prednisone is a common generic name.
2. Anti-inflammation Drugs: sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) , Dipentum, Asacol, Rowasa and Pentasa belong to a group of drugs called the 5-aminosalicylates. These drugs are useful in maintaining a remission, once the disease is brought under control. They are most effective when the disease is present in the colon. These are available in oral and enema preparations.
3. Immune System Suppressors: these medications suppress the body’s immune system, which appears to be overly active and somehow aggravates the disease. The names of two of these commonly used medications are azathioprine (trade name: Purinethol). These drugs are particularly useful for  long-term care. These are other potent immune-suppressing drugs that may best used in difficult cases.
4. Infliximab (trade name: Remicade): this drug is the first of a group of medications that blocks the body’s inflammation response. It is given by intravenous infusion over several hours. These blocking antibody drugs are proving to be very effective in many patients with severe disease.
5. Antibiotics: since there is frequently a bacterial infection along with Crohn’s disease, antibiotics are often used to treat this problem. Two that are commonly used to treat this problem. Two that are commonly used are ciprofloxacin (trade name: Cipro) and metronidazole (trade name: Flagyl).

Diet and Emotions

There are no foods known to actually injure the bowel. However, during an acute phase of the disease, bulky foods, milk and milk products may increase diarrhea and cramping. Generally, the patient is advised to eat a well-balanced diet with adequate protein and calories. A multivitamin and iron supplements may be recommended by the physician.

Stress, anxiety and extreme emotions may aggravate symptoms of the disorder but are not believed to cause it or make it worse. Any chronic disease can produce a serious emotional reaction, which can usually be handled through discussion with the physician.

Surgery

Surgery is commonly needed at some time during the course of Crohn’s disease. It may involve removing portion of diseased bowl or simply the draining of an abscess or fistula. In all cases, the guiding principle is to perform the least amount of surgery necessary to correct the problem. Surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease.

Summary

Most people with Crohn’s disease lead active lives with few restrictions. Although there is no known cure for the disorder, it can be managed with present treatments. For a few patients, the course of the disease can be more difficult and complicated, requiring extensive testing and therapy. Surgery sometimes is required. In all cases, follow-up care is essential to treat the disease and prevent or deal with complications that may arise.

Disclaimer: this information was taken from pamphlet from Hackensack Gastroenterology Associates P.A. (201) 489-7772. Please check with your doctor if you have this condition.