Crohn's disease is a condition that affects the digestive system. Symptoms of Crohn's disease are similar to those associated with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease causes inflammation and swelling of the digestive tract. This causes the patient to experience diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramping.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104 Physicians and researchers have yet to determine an exact cause of Crohn's disease, however there are several factors that may attribute to the disease. These may include a family history of gastrointestinal problems, ethnicity, smoking or the use of certain medications such as Accutane.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=risk-factors While none of these may be the primary cause of the disease, they may cause the symptoms to worsen.

Patients suffering from Crohn's disease may be able to successfully manage the disease with careful diet and medication. However according to the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that up to 75 percent of those suffering from the disease will require surgery. This may be needed to control the symptoms when the patient no longer responds to the prescribed medication or to correct problems that occur as a result of the disease.http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/

As inflammation occurs, patients may experience the following symptoms associated with Crohn's disease. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=symptoms

1. Abdominal pain, cramping or swelling
2. Diarrhea
3. Weight loss which may lead to malnutrition
4. Blood in stools
5. Skin rash
6. Ulcers

There are also several other symptoms that may be present in those suffering from this condition. These may include fever, fatigue, inflammation in the eyes, liver or bile ducts, children may experience a delay in growth or arthritis. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=symptoms

Because of the similarities between Crohn's disease and other bowel disorders, doctors will generally rule out conditions such as unlcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or colon cancer prior to diagnosing a patient with Crohn's disease. To do so, a series of tests may be performed to confirm the patient's condition. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosisThese tests may include:

1. A blood test to check for signs of infection or anemia
2. Fecal Blood Test to check for signs of blood in the stool
3. Colonoscopy to view the colon and examine the patient for signs of Crohn's disease
4. Biopsy to examine the area of infection to confirm diagnosis
5. Small bowel imaging to examine parts of the intestines that are not reachable with a colonoscopy

These test provide doctors with the information needed to properly diagnose a patient with Crohn's disease. A doctor may perform one or all of these to confirm the diagnosis.

When a patient is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, they will generally be prescribed medication that will assist in relieving the inflammation and the symptoms they are experiencing.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly the first type of medication that is prescribed. This may be adequate for those with a mild condition. For more severe cases, a temporary prescription for corticosteroids may be given.

An alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors may be prescribed. These medications effect the immune system's response to the infection, which reduces the inflammation.

Patients may also be prescribed supplements or vitamins to assist in preventing malnutrition.

Surgery may be necessary for patients that have suffered damage as a result of the disease, or who are no longer responding to the prescribed medication. Surgery does not however stop the disease or the symptoms from reoccurring. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

• Topix: Crohn's Disease News
• HealthDay: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Won't Prevent Crohn's Relapse (April 8, 2008)
• HealthDay: Aggressive Therapy for Crohn's Disease Produces Better Outcomes (February 22, 2008)
  • "Treating Crohn's disease more aggressively resulted in better outcomes for patients, an international team of researchers reports.
• ScienceDaily: Safer And More Effective Way To Treat Crohn's Disease (February 22, 2008)
• WebMD: Crohn's Disease: Immune Therapy First? (February 21, 2008)
• HealthDay: Bowel Disease, Nerve Problems Linked (April 23, 2007)
• HealthDay: Tequila Fruit Compound Could Help Treat Colon (March 27, 2007)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.