What Causes A Bowel Obstruction?

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. The ileum (the lowest segment of the small intestine) and colon are the most frequently affected areas of the digestive tract. Patients with Crohn's disease have symptomatic episodes followed by periods of remission. Some of the most common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, reduced appetite, weight loss, and blood in the stool. Individuals with severe Crohn's disease could also notice inflamed joints and inflammation of the skin, eyes, bile ducts, or liver. Children with this condition may have delays in growth and sexual development. To diagnose Crohn's disease, doctors may perform a colonoscopy or a capsule endoscopy, and CT and MRI scans might be necessary. Some patients may be advised to have a balloon-assisted enteroscopy, and blood tests for infection and anemia will be completed. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medicines, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics. Patients may be given pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and vitamin supplements as well. In severe cases, a feeding tube could be necessary, and surgery to remove the damaged portion of the patient's digestive tract might be performed as a last resort.

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