Crohn’s disease: This inflammatory disorder
can affect any part of the GI tract (usually the terminal ileum), extending
through all layers of the intestinal wall. Crohn’s disease may also
involve regional llymph nodes and the mesentery.
The cause of Crohn’s disease is not known, possible causes are; allergies,
immune disorders, lymphatic obstruction, genetic factors and infections.
Symptoms: Varies according to location and the extent
of inflammation .
Acute:
Right lower quadrant pain
Cramping
Tenderness
Flatulence
Nausea
Fever
Bleeding (usuallly mild but can be massive)
Chronic:
Diarrhea (approx. 4 – 6 stools a day)
Right lower quadrant pain
Steatorrhea ( excess fat in feces)
Marked weight loss
Possible clubbing of fingers
Possible weakness
Lack of ambition
Inability to cope with everyday stress
Treatment:
Drug therapy may include:
Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids
Immunosuppressant agents such as azathioprine
Antibacterial agents such as sulfasalazine
Opium tincture and diphenoxylate may help combat diarrhea (but are contraindicated
in patients with significant intestinal obstruction)
Effective treatment requires important changes in life-style– Physical
rest, restricted fiber diet (no fruit or vegetables), and elimination of
dairy products for lactose intolerance.
Surgery may be necessary to correct bowel perforation, massive hemorrhage,
fistulas, or acute intestinal obstruction.
Patients with extensive disease of the large intestine and rectum may
require colectomy with ileostomy