Crohn's disease

What are the causes and risk factors for Crohn's disease?

There are many theories regarding what causes Crohn's disease. One theory suggests that either a virus or bacteria affects the body's immune system and triggers an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal wall. Although there is a lot of evidence that patients with this disease have abnormalities of the immune system, it is not known whether the immune problems are a cause or a result of the disease.Physicians believe that there is little proof that Crohn's disease is caused by anxiety, depression, or emotional stress.

How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

Chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and anemia require a thorough examination for Crohn's disease. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Crohn's disease may include the following:Blood tests (to determine if there is anemia resulting from blood loss, or if there is an increased number of white blood cells, suggesting an inflammatory process)Stool culture - checks for the presence of abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract that may cause diarrhea and other problems. A small sample of stool is collected and sent to a laboratory by your physician's office. In two or three days, the test will show whether abnormal bacteria are present; to determine if there is blood loss, or if an infection by a parasite or bacteria is causing the symptoms.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Also called EGD or upper endoscopy.)An EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube, called an endoscope, is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).Biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the lining of the colon for examination under a microscope.Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium swallow.) - a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.Lower GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium enema.) - a procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.Colonoscopy - a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.  



Copyright 2007-11 MD Kiosk