MyMediktor - Crohn's disease - Inflammatory bowel disease

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It is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract in any area of its entire length.

Its cause is uncertain but is attributed to a certain genetic predisposition that activates the immune response.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, weight loss and swelling of the abdomen.

It is diagnosed by detailed clinical history, physical examination and complementary tests such as laboratory tests, radiological examinations and colonoscopy.

Treatment is based on symptom control with dietary measures and medications. More severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Bibliographic references

Mark A Peppercorn.Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis of Crohn disease in adults. UpToDate. Dec 17, 2015.
Richard J Farrell.Overview of the medical management of mild to moderate Crohn disease in adults. UpToDate. Jul 28, 2016.
Lichtenstein GR, Hanauer SB, Sandborn WJ, Practice Parameters Committee of American College of Gastroenterology. Management of Crohn's disease in adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:465.
Burgmann T, Clara I, Graff L, et al. The Manitoba Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study: prolonged symptoms before diagnosis--how much is irritable bowel syndrome? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 4:614.
Sonia Friedman, Richard S. Blumberg. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 1947-1965.
J. Vilaseca, F. Casellas, F. Guarner. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición. 169-182.
Marta Romero Gutiérrez, Mariano Alcántara Torres, Alejandro Repiso Ortega. Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Manual de protocolos y actuación en Urgencias. 3ª edición. 2010.471- 476.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Symptoms

Bouts of abdominal pain and diarrhea

Rectal bleeding

Diarrhea with blood

Weight loss

Intermittent intense abdominal pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Severe abdominal pain, which does not allow you to perform activities of daily living

Blood in stool

Self-care

It is recommended to follow a balanced diet, consume water-soluble fiber (fruits and vegetables), avoid gas-producing foods (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners and refined sugar.

Reduce situations that cause psychological stress

Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.

Reduce tobacco consumption.

Get regular physical activity at least 3 times a week that is appropriate for your age and physical condition.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

If you have diarrhea, talk to your doctor about prescribing antidiarrheal medicine.

Consult with your general practitioner for the indication of corticosteroids, immune system inhibitors and/or biological drugs.