Crohn's disease (regional enteritis, Crohn's colitis, intestinal inflammation)
About Crohn's disease (regional enteritis, Crohn's colitis, intestinal inflammation)
A recurrent inflammatory disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Sections of the intestinal tract most commonly affected include the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon); however, any part of the digestive tract, from mouth to rectum, may be involved. It is an autoimmune disease and is most common in people between the ages of 15 and 35. Other risk factors are a family history of Crohn's disease, Jewish ancestry and smoking.Symptoms
Crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, joint pain, painful bowel movements, weight loss , fatigue, black stools (melena), and skin, eye or joint inflammation (arthritis)Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify complications may be performed, including a barium enema or upper GI series, colonoscopy, CT scan or MRI. Stool tests may be recommended to check for blood or other causes of symptoms, such as infection.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, MRI, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) help control inflammation, and can be given rectally or orally. Corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) are used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease. They may be taken by mouth or inserted into the rectum. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are immunomodulators and they help reduce the need for corticosteroids and can help heal some fistulas. Antibiotics may be used for abscesses or fistulas. Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), and natalizumab (Tysabri) are powerful anti-inflammatory immune modulators (called `biologics`) that are used for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments. Surgery may be needed for fistulas or active disease that does not respond to medications. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov or (800)891-5389. Further information is available at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America at: http://ccfa.orgMedical specialties
Gastroenterology · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Gastroenterology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease (regional enteritis, Crohn's colitis, intestinal inflammation).