Ashley WalkerBiology 2401

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WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE ?

A chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It primary causes ulceration in the large and small intestines.

It usually affects the large and small intestines but can occur anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.

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NORMAL DIGESTIVE TRACT

Organs of the digestive tract-Mouth

-Esophagus

-Stomach

-Small intestine

-Large intestine

-Rectum

-Anus

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Normal Colon

Crohn’s Colon

WHAT CAUSES CROHN’S DISEASE ?

The cause of Crohn’s Disease is unknown

Current Theories

-Immune system acting on its self

-Something in the environment

-Genes

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WHO GET’S CROHN’S DISEASE? 500 thousand Americans have Crohn’s

20 to 25% have a blood relative with Crohn’s

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, but can occur at any age

Affects males and females equally

Occurs in Caucasians more often than any other racial group.

Found mainly in developed countries

Smoking also increases risk

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Symptoms Abdominal pain and cramping

Diarrhea

Fever

Weight Loss

Bloating

Anal pain or drainage

Rectal abscess

Fissure

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OTHER SYMPTOMSSymptoms outside the intestines

Eyes (redness and itching)

Mouth (sores)

Joints ( swelling and pain)

Skin ( bumps and other lesions)

Bones (osteoporosis)

Kidney (stones)

Liver (hepatitis and cirrhosis) rare

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DIAGNOSIS

Family and personal history

Stool test

Blood test

Colonoscopy

CAT Scans

Barium X-rays

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TREATMENT

Medications

Anti-Inflammatory drugs Anti-diarrheal Immune suppressors Remicade Antibiotics

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OTHER TREATMENTS

Diet and Nutrition

-Decrease in appetite

-Poor absorption of nutrients

Surgery

-Two-thirds of patients will require surgery

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QUESTIONS

Can stress make Crohn’s Disease worse?

Is pregnancy safe for women with Crohn’s Disease?

Can Crohn’s cause cancer?

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LIVING WITH CROHN’S

Crohn’s Disease is not curable but it is treatable.

Most people will have periods of remission

It’s import to follow you doctors advice

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FINDING A CURE

Research

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

of America

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References CitedAbout Crohn’s Disease, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. 2 April 2010. http://ccfa.org/info/about/crohns

Cocker, Joe. “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” Super Hits, SONEY&BMG

Crohn’s Disease, MedicineNet.com.: 2 April 2010 http: www.medicinenet.com/crohns_disease/article.htm

Crohn’s Disease, National Institute of Heath, National Digestive Disease Information Clearing House: 2 April 2010

http://digestive.niddk,nih.gov/ddiseases/pub/crohns/

Crohn’s Info, Crohn’s Disease Info Center. Shafran Gastroenterology Center. 2 April

2010http://shafran.net/crohn/cdinfo.htm

Living with Crohn’s, N.p. :Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, March 2007

Normal and Diseased Colons, Online Image, 2 April 2010

http://sswahs.nse.gov.au/concord/gastr/BowelDisease/Crphn.html

http://www.medikidz.com

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