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Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.
Inflammation usually occurs in the colon but can occur anywhere in the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
Symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Weight loss
Blood and/or mucus in stools
Fatigue
Causes:
The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. However, research suggests that a combination of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for its onset.
Diagnosis
A series of blood and stool tests. An endoscopic examination of the colon is required. During the endoscopy a biopsy can be taken of the bowel. Diagnosis can also include X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.
Treatment There is currently no cure for Crohn's disease. Medication is available that can be used to treat and prevent symptoms.
If the inflammation is in the lower part of the colon it may be treated with suppositories or enemas. Other patients will need a short course of steroids but these are not used for long-term treatment. Antibiotics are used where there is infection.
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