Symptoms and Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. It can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and family support, those with Crohn's disease can lead happy, productive lives.

What Causes Crohn's Disease?

Researchers have not identified the exact cause of Crohn's disease. It's possible that a bacteria or virus may cause the disease. The lining of the digestive tract could become inflamed from trying to fight off these micro-organisms.

Crohn's disease tends to run in families. Studies have shown that about 20% of patients have a close relative, usually a parent or sibling, with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. People of Eastern European Jewish background may have a higher than normal risk as do those who smoke.

What are the Symptoms?

The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain (usually on the right side), cramping, repeated bouts of diarrhea (with or without blood), weight loss without trying, and vomiting. Call your doctor immediately if you notice these changes:

Abdominal pain becomes severe
Repeated vomiting
You feel faint
You have a fever

In more severe cases, Crohn's disease causes symptoms in other parts of the body.
These symptoms may include:

Pain and swelling in the eyes
Arthritis-like pain in the joints
Kidney stones
Gallstones

How is Crohn's Disease Diagnosed?

No single test can establish the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Doctors start with a complete physical exam and history. Other tests include:

Barium x-rays of the intestine. In this test, you drink a white, chalky liquid that coats the intestine so the doctor can see it more clearly.

Colonoscopy. In this test, a thin lighted tube is used to look inside the colon.