Crohn’s is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation and erosion of the intestines. Unlike Ulcerative Colitis, which only affects the colon, Crohn’s can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms can range in severity, just like the disease itself from mild to severe. Symptoms can include; abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, night sweats, and loss of appetite. While there is currently no cure, many treatment options exist. Treatment will however depend on severity. There are five main forms of Crohn’s disease; Ileocolitis, Ileitis, Jejunoileitis, Gastroduodenal, and Granulomatous colitis. Let’s explore these types.
First up is Ileocolitis, which is the most common type of Crohn’s disease. It affects the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum) and the colon. This is the area that suffers chronic inflammation causing damage to the intestines. Common symptoms of ileocolitis are; cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Treatment options include corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and biologics.
Next is Ileitis. This type of Crohn’s only affects the ileum, or the end of the small intestines. The symptoms are the same as ileocolitis, but many people with this type of Crohn’s experience complications. These can include fistulas, which are inflammatory abscess in the lower small intestine. These abscesses will not heal on their own and usually require a surgery known as a fistulotomy. Here they can cut and scrape out the infected tissue and repair the area. While there are other types of surgery to address this issue, a fistulotomy is the most common.
Third, we have Gastroduodenal Crohn’s. This type of Crohn’s affects the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). People who have this type of Crohn’s usually experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and significant weight loss. Vomiting may also occur if part of the intestine is blocked, making it paramount to keep your doctor informed of your symptoms. Treatments range from medication to surgery depending on the severity.
Fourth is Jejunoileitis. This particular form of Crohn’s affects the jejunum, which is the secondary part of the small intestine. Here in patchy areas, inflammation causes damage. Common symptoms of jejunoileitis are having cramps after eating, mild to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fistulas. Common treatments include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.
Lastly, we have Crohn’s Granulomatous Colitis. This form of Crohn’s is similar to Ulcerative Colitis, in that it only affects the colon. Symptoms include; diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abscesses, fistulas, ulcers, skin lesions, and joint pain. While joint pain can occur with any type of IBD, it is most commonly displayed in this type of Crohn’s. Treatments include immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, biologics, and surgery.
Crohn’s like other chronic illnesses can be unpredictable, and may cause some complications. Common complications seen with Chron’s include things like anemia, malabsorption, malnutrition, bone density loss, fistulas, fissures (tears in the rectum), bowel obstruction, ulcers, and stricture (narrowing of the intestine from inflammation). Keep in mind not everyone with Crohn’s will experience complications. However, either way it is vitally important to keep open communication with your doctor or specialist about the symptoms you’re experiencing. They may be able to recommend a new medication, supplement, or surgery that could improve your symptoms and quality of life.
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