ARTICLE 14: Crohn’s Disease
Overview
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, though it most often involves the small intestine and colon. It causes inflammation, which can lead to pain, diarrhea, and long-term nutritional problems.
Management Tips for Patients
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Key symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes fever or blood in the stool.
- Evaluation: diagnosis may involve blood and stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging studies.
- Treatment options:
- Medications such as anti-inflammatory agents, immunosuppressants, or biologics are used to reduce inflammation.
- Nutritional support is important — special diets during flares and a balanced plan during remission can reduce symptoms.
- Surgery may be needed if strictures or fistulas develop, though surgery does not cure Crohn’s disease.
- Daily care: avoid smoking, manage stress, and maintain regular follow-ups with your gastroenterologist.
References
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
- American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) – https://gi.org
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