Crohn's Disease in Adults
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Crohn's Disease in Adults
cells that could turn into cancer. Sometimes, instead of killing only bad cells, something goes wrong and the immune system starts to attack healthy cells. That is called an "autoimmune response. " пїЅ It is what happens in Crohn disease. If you have Crohn disease, your body is attacking the lining of your digestive tract. This causes inflammation, which can lead to sores (ulcers) and bleeding. пїЅ пїЅ
The symptoms of Crohn disease can get better or worse at different times. But the condition cannot be cured. Luckily, there are medicines and other treatments that can improve its symptoms. пїЅ пїЅ
What are the symptoms of Crohn disease? " пїЅ The most common symptoms are diarrhea, belly pain, feeling tired, weight loss, and fever. Some people with Crohn disease also get mouth sores, skin rashes, joint pain, and eye redness. пїЅ пїЅ
Is there a test for Crohn disease? " пїЅ Yes. There are a few tests that can help diagnose Crohn disease. Doctors use X-rays or scans to look at the upper intestine and a test called "colonoscopy to look at the lower intestine. During a colonoscopy, the doctor puts a thin tube into your rectum and advances it up into your colon. The tube has a camera attached to it, so the doctor can look inside your colon and the last part of your small intestine. пїЅ пїЅ
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? " пїЅ Yes. Your symptoms might improve if you: пїЅ пїЅ
How is Crohn disease treated? " пїЅ There are many different medicines that help reduce the symptoms of Crohn disease. Almost all of these medicines work by reducing inflammation and the body's immune response. Some medicines treat symptoms when they are at their worst. Other medicines help keep symptoms from starting up or coming back. Doctors sometimes also prescribe antibiotics to people with Crohn disease. пїЅ пїЅ
You might have to try a few different medicines before you find the one that works best for you. пїЅ пїЅ
Is surgery an option? " пїЅ Surgery is helpful if medicines do not do enough to control your symptoms or if the medicines cause side effects that you can't stand. Surgery does not cure the disease, but it can help you to feel better and return to normal activities. The 2 most common types of surgery to treat Crohn disease work by: пїЅ пїЅ
Does Crohn disease lead to colon cancer? " пїЅ It can. Your risk depends on how long you've had it and whether your colon is affected. Experts suggest that people with Crohn disease that affects the colon get screened early and often. This might mean having a colonoscopy a few years after being diagnosed, and every 1 to 2 years after that. пїЅ пїЅ
What will my life be like? " пїЅ People with Crohn disease often need lifelong treatment. But with treatment, many people with the condition are able to live fairly normal lives. пїЅ пїЅ
What if I want to get pregnant? " пїЅ In most cases, Crohn disease does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant. If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor or nurse before you start trying to get pregnant. He or she can make sure you get all the tests you need before and during your pregnancy. Plus, your doctor or nurse might want to switch your medicines. That's because some of the medicines used to treat Crohn disease might not be safe for a baby. пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Cut down on foods that make your symptoms worse. Some people have problems with foods that have a lot of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Quit smoking, if you smoke. Smoking makes symptoms worse and increases the chances that you will need surgery.
- Avoid medicines such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Motrin or Advil and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve)
- Removing of the diseased part of the colon
- Re-opening parts of the colon that have become blocked
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0