Crohn's disease: symptoms and prognosis

Among numerous diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, Crohn's disease is excreted, in which any part of this tract can be affected, starting from the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, ending with the end parts of the intestine and the anus.

How does Crohn's disease manifest itself? Symptoms of it differ depending on the site of inflammation localization, as well as the individual characteristics of patients. However, there are common signs:

• Sharp weight loss
• Abdominal pain. Sometimes the seizures are so strong that pain medications are required.
• Pain in the intestines or anus with defecation
• Blood in the stool, which appears due to cracks in the rectum and anus
• Diarrhea
• Fever, fever
• Cracks in the anus, on the skin, the appearance of external and internal abscesses
• Pain in joints resembling rheumatic
• Anemia, fatigue, dizziness caused by bleeding
• Bloating . The abdomen becomes large, hard

With the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, symptoms are sometimes difficult to relate to manifestations of intestinal disease. Often there are:

• The appearance of a rash on the skin, which when combed can go to ulcers
• Inflammation of the eye, conjunctivitis
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Inflammation and enlargement of the liver
• Miscarriages in pregnant women.

Crohn's disease in children occurs as often as in adults. Despite the fact that most often the disease affects people from 16 to 40 years old, it is not uncommon for whole families with such a disease.

Crohn's disease, the symptoms of which are transmitted to all family members, most often occurs in people living closer to the North.

Nevertheless, scientists believe that this disease is not contagious, although its causative agent may be bacteria. It is also believed that parents can pass on a hereditary predisposition to this type of disease. However, it is very insignificant and is most often manifested if it is accompanied by improper diet, lack of intra-family hygiene, bad habits.

In addition, the cause of the development of granulomatous-ulcerative lesions can be an autoimmune disease. In this case, the human body begins to produce antibodies, which instead of harmful bacteria and cells begin to affect healthy tissues.

Unfortunately, Crohn's disease forecast is disappointing: the disease can be repeated throughout life, even after many years of remission. Predicting after what time the disease will again deteriorate, doctors can not yet.

Crohn's disease, the symptoms of which are similar to nonspecific colitis, develops extremely slowly. With delayed treatment or very strong inflammation of the gut, the prognosis may be lethal.

At the first stages, the disease is treated therapeutically. A diet, corticosteroids of prednisolone and methylprednisolone are prescribed. Often recommend immunosuppressive agents, some types of antibiotics.

If the disease is not medically treated, an operation is indicated. Usually, surgically fight with abscesses, intestinal fistulas. In this case, a planned limited resection (partial removal) of the part of the intestine can be performed.

The operation can be performed urgently if there is internal bleeding or acute obstruction of the intestine.

Operative intervention is usually enough to stop the course of the disease for many years. In addition, the operation can reduce the number of medications taken or for a long time to abandon them altogether.

In some cases, repeated operations are possible.

For diagnosis, use magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, barium examinations, blood tests.

In order to prevent the development of the disease, at the first manifestations (for example, rashes of incomprehensible origin, bloating, etc.) it is recommended to immediately go to the doctor. Annual medical examinations are also shown, which will help to detect not only Crohn's disease, but also any other diseases.