Crohn's Disease (IBD)

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is chronic, relapsing, transmural inflammation of uncertain etiology that can affect any portion of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, but is predominantly seen in the terminal ileum and/or colon (Inflammatory Bowel Disease article). The name of the disease came from Dr. Burill Crohn, who first described the disease in 1932. Crohn’s Disease is part of a group called Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). CD differs from other IBD’s in that it can manifest anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be found at any point from the mouth to the rectum. (DX & MGMNT). CD affects the whole bowel wall (CONCOMITANT THYROID DS). Out of every 100,000 people in the United States 201 …show more content…
Smoking and the use of oral contraceptives and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with the exacerbation of symptoms (DX & MGMNT). CD is diagnosed using multiple sources: There is a physical examination and history. Findings of CD may include a family history of CD, diarrhea which may be bloody at times, fever, pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the abdomen. Lab tests are used to find problems that may be linked to Crohn’s disease such as: blood protein levels, sedimentation rate, mineral levels, red blood cells, white blood cells, and stool samples to rule out blood and infectious microbes. Imaging studies and endoscopies are also used to diagnose CD. These images may include barium x-rays and other types of x-rays. CT scans, colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and capsule endoscopies are other forms of …show more content…
There are a variety of medications that are used in combination with each other or on their own to achieve remission. This all depends on the severity of the disease; Crohn’s can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Medications include oral, intravenous, and topical preparations (ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CROHN”S DISEASE). The first choice of medication when it comes to Crohn’s Disease is 5-ASA, also known as Mesalamine. This medication is available in tablets or topically (ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CRHON’S DISEASE). It is thought to act in the colon, where it blocks cyclooxygenase and inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. It is a gastrointestinal anti-inflammatory medication. Sulfasalazines are also used, but they have a lot more side effects than 5-ASA. If a patient does not respond to 5-ASA, an antibiotic such as metronidazole or ciprofloxacin is given. Both of these antibiotics have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties which will alleviate