Crohn’s Disease

🦠 Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, most commonly the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the colon. It leads to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

🔍 Causes

• Exact cause unknown, but involves:
  • Immune system malfunction
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental triggers (smoking, diet, infections)

⚠️ Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fatigue
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Fever
• Mouth sores
• Sometimes joint pain and skin problems

🧪 Diagnosis

• Blood tests (inflammation markers, anemia)
• Stool tests
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy with biopsy
• Imaging (CT or MRI enterography)

🛠️ Treatment

• Medications:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., corticosteroids)
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Biologic therapies (e.g., anti-TNF agents)
  • Antibiotics (if infections)
• Nutrition:
  • Special diets or supplements
  • Sometimes parenteral nutrition
• Surgery:
  • To remove damaged sections or treat complications (fistulas, strictures)

🛡️ Tips

• Avoid smoking
• Manage stress
• Regular medical follow-up
• Balanced diet tailored to tolerance