WHAT HAPPENS IN CROHN'S DISEASE
WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CHROHN'S DISEASE
This web page has been designed by the health care professionals of Marquette General Hospital to answer some basic questions about Crohn's disease.
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WHAT HAPPENS IN CROHN'S DISEASE WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CHROHN'S DISEASE
This web page has been designed by the health care professionals of Marquette General Hospital to answer some basic questions about Crohn's disease.
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The information provided will help you:
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract from the mouth to the anus, but it usually involves parts of the colon and small intestine. It creates patches of inflammation in the intestine spreading from one segment of bowel to another, but skipping some segments. When looked at with a fiberoptic scope, the colon segments appear like cobblestone due to ulcers and fissures (narrow slits) which form with the disease. Crohn's disease most commonly affects young adults, ages 15-30, but can occur at any age. Crohn's disease occurs more often in white women. Because of inflammation, your small bowel may not be able to absorb necessary nutrients, vitamins and electrolytes. Without proper nutrition, you may experience weakness, fatigue, weight loss, poor sleeping patterns, anorexia or anemia (low blood count). The course of Crohn's disease is variable. In some cases total remission occurs; in others the disease progresses. The bowel wall thickens and the passage-way becomes narrower. This means the bowel has to work harder to pass stools, resulting in some of the abdominal pain or cramping you may feel during an attack. The attacks come at random and may disrupt planned activities or work schedules, making you and significant others frustrated and depressed. The progressive action of this disease can bring about a bowel obstruction (blockage). Your doctor may recommend a periodic check of your bowel to assess progression of the disease or possible blockage. This can be done through a colonoscopy (directly looking at the inside of the colon with a fiberoptic scope) or by x-ray. If an obstruction, perforation or fistula occurs, surgery may be required to correct the immediate problem. However, in the majority of cases, inflammation returns in another segment of the colon or small intestine. Regular physical exercise will help relieve stress and aid in normal bowel function. Check for any food intolerances, such as milk or milk products. Eliminate any food (s) from your diet that causes problems or doesn't agree with you. Avoid caffeine containing substances, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and pop. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals to allow for better absorption of nutrients and reduction of bowel elimination problems. Drink plenty of water to aid colon function in passage of waste. Gradually add fiber to your diet, but should an attack occur, reduce your roughage intake until symptoms are relieved. Ask your doctor about dietary recommendations in your particular case. Prescription medications may be used to help relieve both the diarrhea symptoms and the bowel inflammation. These medications are used to help control the symptoms of Crohn's disease to allow for a more normal lifestyle. Medications should be discussed with your doctor and prescribed at his/her discretion. Although Crohn's disease is a difficult problem, you can play a major role in controlling the symptoms.
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