Introduction
The term 'Inflammatory Bowel Disease' ('IBD') covers two types of inflammatory conditions which can affect the gastrointestinal tract – ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The difference between the two is that ulcerative colitis only affects the colon, whereas Crohn's can affect any section or sections of the entire gastro-intestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The most common location for Crohn's disease to affect, however, is the last section of the small bowel called the 'terminal ileum'.
Crohn's disease generally develops during childhood or in teenage years, although it can also develop in adults.
IBD in general is becoming more prevalent in Australia, with an estimated 800,000 people currently diagnosed and an expectation that this figure will grow. In many cases the condition stays with the person for their entire life.
Symptoms
The condition tends to affect sufferers from time to time, rather than continuously, so symptoms may come and go and sometimes disappear completely between 'bouts' of Crohn's.
Patients with Crohn's disease may have a wide range of symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Diarrhoea, possibly with blood or mucous.
- Pain and/or cramping in the abdomen.
- Weight loss (unexplained).
- Anaemia.
Rarer Symptoms
- Anal discharge.
- Appetite loss.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Nausea / vomiting.
- Pain / swelling around the anus.
- Shaking / chills / fever.
- Tiredness/fatigue (as a result of anaemia).
In some cases, other parts of the body may be affected by the condition, such as the eyes, skin , joints and the liver. It may also cause osteoporosis (where the bones weaken).
Causes
How Crohn's disease develops is not fully understood, however current thinking is that it may be triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to particular viruses, bacteria or proteins, and so is thus believed to be a type of autoimmune disease. A number of factors may be involved, from genetic to environmental.
Tests & Diagnosis
Crohn's disease shares a number of the same symptoms as other bowel conditions, which can make it difficult to properly diagnose. The most common tests for the condition are colonoscopy, Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen or MRI.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for Crohn's disease, however it can be managed with medication in a way that minimises symptoms. Surgery may sometimes be required to treat the bowel or the anal area.
