Crohn disease
Crohn's (also spelled Crohn disease) disease is a chronic (slowly developing, long-term) inflammation of the digestive tract. The inflammation causes uncomfortable symptoms and may produce serious damage to the digestive tract.
According to WebMD, the exact cause of Crohn's disease is uncertain-
- Some theories suggest that genetics, environment, diet, blood vessel abnormalities, and/or even psychosocial factors cause Crohn's disease.
- Probably the most popular theory is that Crohn's disease is caused by the immune system overreacting to infection by a virus or bacterium.
- Crohn's disease apparently is not caused by emotional distress.
- Crohn's disease definitely runs in families. People who have Crohn's disease may have inherited a predisposition to it.
Crohn's is similar to a condition called ulcerative colitis and are referred to together as inflammatory bowel diseases. These illnesses are known for their unpredictable flares and remissions. The damage to the intestinal wall caused by the inflammation results in a wide variety of symptoms and complications.
- The inflammation damages the lining of the intestine so that it cannot absorb nutrients, water, and fats from the food you eat. This is called malabsorption, and it can result in malnutrition, dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, gallstones, and kidney stones.
Crohn's disease can be a debilitating illness. However, with proper medical treatment and other measures used to reduce discomfort, most people learn how best to live with the condition. Unfortunately, there presently is no cure for Crohn's disease. The goals for treatment are:
- to reduce inflammation
- to relieve symptoms of pain, diarrhea, and bleeding
- to eliminate nutritional deficiencies
Treatment might involve drugs, nutritional supplements such as fiber, surgery, or a combination of these therapies. Treatment choices depend upon where the disease is located and how severe it is. Speak with your health care professional to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Ulcerative colitis: An inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon and rectum. Like Crohn's disease, bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
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Colitis
Colitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the colon. There are several causes of colitis, including infections, poor blood supply, and autoimmune reactions. Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis that is present, but in general, colitis frequently results in experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Other symptoms of colitis that may or may not be present include:
- Blood in the bowel movement. Diarrhea can sometimes cause hemorrhoids, which can bleed. However, blood with a bowel movement is not normal and if you experience this, you should contact your health care practitioner or seek other medical care.
- Tenesmus may exist; this is the constant urge to have a bowel movement.
- The abdominal pain may come in waves, building to diarrhea, and then waning, or there may be constant pain.
- Fever, chills, and other signs of infection and inflammation may be present depending upon the cause of colitis
You should seek medical care if any of the following conditions exist:
- persistent diarrhea,
- dehydration (symptoms of dehydration include lightheadedness; weakness; decreased urination; dry mouth, eyes, and skin.)
- fever,
- significant abdominal pain, and/or
- blood in the bowel movement
Inflammatory bowel disease: A name for either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can cause colon inflammation (colitis).
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