Transcript Crohn`s Disease - Embryo

CROHN’S DISEASE
Alison Cunliffe
What is Crohn’s Disease?

Chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines
 Causes
ulcerations, breaks in the lining, of the small and
large intestines, but can affect the digestive system
anywhere form the mouth to the anus.

Immune system abnormally activated in the absence
of any known invader
Caused by…


The cause is unknown
Some scientists suspect that infection from certain
bacteria may cause the disease
 No
convincing evidence that the disease is caused by
infection
Symptoms



Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Weight loss
 Less
common
 Poor
appetite
 Fever
 Night sweats
 Rectal pain
 Rectal bleeding

The symptoms all
depend of the
location, extent and
severity of the
inflammation.
Complications

Intestinal
 Obstruction
and perforation of small intestine (rare and
requires surgery)
 Abscesses
 Intestinal bleeding

Also involves the skin, joints, spine, eyes, liver, and
bile ducts.
Treatment

Patients with mild or no symptoms may not need
treatment



Also, patients in remission may not need treatment
No medication can cure Crohn’s disease
Doctors prescribe medication to
1) induce remission
 2) maintain remission
 3) minimize side effects of treatment
 4)improve quality of life


Medication

Anti inflammatory agents

antibiotics
Tests





Blood test
Barium x-ray
Colonoscopy
Computerized axial tomography
Endoscopy
Prognosis


Chronic
No prevention
 Genetic
in origin