Crohn's Disease

In this Article

• What is Crohn's disease?
• What causes Crohn's disease?
• How does Crohn's disease affect the intestines?
• How is Crohn's disease different from ulcerative colitis?
• What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
• What are the complications of Crohn's disease?
• How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
• How is Crohn's disease treated?
• Antiinflammatory medications
• 5-ASA (mesalamine) oral medications
• 5-ASA rectal medications (Rowasa, Canasa)
• Corticosteroids
• Budesonide (Entocort EC)
• Antibiotics
• Summary of antiinflammatory medications
• Immuno-modulator medications
• Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol)
• Infliximab (Remicade)
• Adalimumab (Humira)
• Methotrexate
• Surgery in Crohn's disease
• General measures
• Conclusions
• Crohn's Disease At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Crohn's Disease - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

Conclusions

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease involving predominantly the small intestine and colon. The symptoms and the activity of the disease can come and go. Even though many effective medications are available to control the activity of the disease, there is as yet no cure for Crohn's disease. Surgery can significantly improve the quality of life in selected individuals, but recurrence of the disease after surgery is common. The disease can have complications, both within and outside of the intestine. Newer treatments are actively being evaluated. A better understanding of the role of genetics and environmental factors in the cause of Crohn's disease may lead to improved treatments and prevention of the disease.

Crohn's Disease At A Glance

• Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines.
  
  
• The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown.
  
  
• Crohn's disease can cause ulcers in the small intestine, colon, or both.
  
  
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are symptoms of Crohn's disease.
  
  
• Crohn's disease of the small intestine may cause obstruction of the intestine.
  
  
• Crohn's disease can be associated with reddish, tender skin nodules, and inflammation of the joints, spine, eyes, and liver.
  
  
• The diagnosis of Crohn's disease is made by barium enema, barium x-ray of the small bowel, and colonoscopy.
  
  
• The choice of treatment for Crohn's disease depends on the location and severity of the disease.
  
  
• Treatment of Crohn's disease includes drugs for suppressing inflammation or the immune system, antibiotics, and surgery.

Crohn's Disease - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of crohn's disease can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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