Crohn’s disease is relatively common, with approximately 1 in every 1500 people suffering from the condition, although it occurs slightly more often in women and in smokers. The disease causes inflammation of the lining of the walls of the digestive tract and can occur anywhere along its length; but is most often found in patches of the small and large intestine. Symptoms vary for person to person, both in severity and frequency . Some people have very mild symptoms and the disease can go undiagnosed for years. Others will have very severe, frequent attacks and will require hospitalization.
Inflammation of the digestive tract causes the area to become red and painfully swollen. Pain varies according to the site and severity of the flare up, but is often reported in the lower right side of the abdomen. Ulceration of the wall lining can also occur which causes the digestive tract to become further narrowed and will lead to blood in the feces. Eventually the digestive tract can become completely obstructed.
For most suffers, diarrhea is a common symptom and this can often contain pus, mucus or blood. People say that they experience a strong feeling of needing to go to the toilet but when they get there nothing comes. Unsurprisingly, during a flare up sufferers can be really very ill with weight loss, fever and tiredness. Their health can be further affected if heavy bleeding has led to anemia, or if food cannot be absorbed properly leading to vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Crohn’s disease is suspected in people who have displayed its most common symptoms for more than three weeks, these include weight loss, diarrhea and pain. Various tests are then performed to confirm the diagnosis. These will include blood and stool samples, examination of the small or large intestine be endoscope , barium X-rays and biopsies taken from the area affected.
Following diagnosis, there are a variety of treatment options. Medication is prescribed, depending on the extent and severity of the disease. For mild symptoms, a group of drugs called 5-aminosalicylates are used to calm the inflammation and reduce its effects. For more severe symptoms, steroids are often given and these can prove to be highly effective. However, because of their side effects, steroids are not commonly given over a long period of time. Drugs such as antibiotics are sometimes needed to fight infection, and dietary supplements,e.g. iron,may be given to people who have become debilitated through the disease.
If symptoms are particularly bad and cannot be controlled with medication, a strict diet may be prescribed for a few weeks, after which a normal diet can gradually be resumed. However in some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected part of the digestive tract or to treat complications of the disease such as obstructions or abscesses. About 80% of people with moderate symptoms will require surgery at some time or another.
It is promising to note however that research and development into the disease continue and there are hopes that new drugs will become available in the near future. Until then most people with Crohn’s disease cope very well with the condition and the majority are able to lead normal lives.